Ward 3 Councillor Joe Campbell brought up an interesting point of discussion at Monday's city council meeting.
"I put this on tonight, as a starting point, for an issue that we have in Schumacher right now, where a boarding house is in the process of being approved on Croatia Avenue. The proponent has met all of the legal requirements, the zoning is proper, he has applied for a building permit. So there's no issues in that area. The issues are some of the discussions going around with respect to the residents. I believe they are the people that are forgotten in this. They have not had the opportunity to speak up, or speak to anyone," said Campbell.
He had with him a list of comments from residents in the Schumacher neighbourhood who were concerned
"Their main concern is what he plans to do with this boarding house. Some of the comments that I've heard is that they have been told that his intent is to house people formerly incarcerated, which is fine, they have served their debt to society. But on the other hand, this is something that the residents should hear from him and not second-hand from other people. It has caused a lot of concern among the residents in the area who have concerns for their safety and their security. Justifiably so, if what is being said, is factual," said Campbell.
He read aloud some of the comments from citizens living near the proposed boarding house. It included a complaint about 'increased activity' and random people entering private yards and rummaging through items on decks, which allegedly hadn't occurred until recently. It was also mentioned that a noticeable increase in police presence in the neighbourhood has occurred.
Another neighbour has put their home up for sale due to the boarding house.
"He's moving out. So much stuff has happened next door, that he is moving out. He was told by someone that one of the people who will be living there is a child molester. There is a public school 300 metres from that location. There has been no public input. There has been no attempt by the City of Timmins to follow up on these with the proponent. This is all second hand, this may not be true, but its certainly worthy of an investigation," said Campbell.
He further questioned zoning laws in neighbourhoods that have been single-family homes for decades.
"The gentleman selling his house next door, having it up for sale, the family has lived there for 75 years and he's being chased out of the neighbourhood."
Campbell proposed a public meeting on the matter which would include all interested residents within a certain radius of the boarding house and the proponent, so that all of the facts can be presented for everyone to see.
"So that, in all fairness, the residents of this community, of this neighbourhood can be heard and find out exactly what's going on, rather than second-hand information," he said.
Campbell went on to say that he knows there is a need for this type of housing, but feels there is an obligation from the city to ensure that the safety of surrounding residents isn't compromised.
Mayor Steve Black said that the boarding house's proponent would have to be a willing participant in said public meeting. He turned the floor over to Director of Community and Development Services Mark Jensen for comment.
"I don't have any issue with trying to organize that meeting, however you're correct Mayor, it's not a 'required meeting' but it certainly would be more of a voluntary based meeting. So if the proponent is willing and able to attend, I presume the neighbours will have no problems attending the meeting, but we'll definitely have to communicate with the parties to see if they're willing to show up, and we're more than happy to make the arrangements for that meeting, " said Jensen.
Councillor Rick Dubeau receives clarification from Director of Community and Development Services Mark Jensen during Monday night's meeting. Andrew Autio for TimminsToday Councillor Noella Rinaldo wondered if the city legally had any right to force a public meeting.
"I totally understand where Councillor Campbell is coming from, but we get those calls every day of neighbours that are irritating because they don't put their garbage out, or they're throwing things at their dogs, these things happen all the time. This might be a little more serious with some of the accusations, but they are accusations. So I am concerned. I don't think there's anything wrong in reaching out and asking if the landlord will meet with the neighbourhood. But if he doesn't want to, I don't think we have a legal leg to stand on unfortunately," she said.
Councillor Rick Dubeau said that in past instances when buildings are converted into new living spaces, for example old churches, protocol is that the surrounding residents have the ability to voice their concerns before it is formally approved by the city.
"So what I don't understand is that you're changing a house into a rooming house, and you are increasing the traffic in that area, I think the neighbours have a right to speak on that. I think its something that we definitely should be looking at," said Dubeau.
Councillor Veronica Farrell said she agreed with Campbell.
"If these are the type of people that are moving into the neighbourhood, I myself would personally like to be aware of that if it was going to be in my neighbourhood. I would want to know what kind of people are moving in there" she said.
Councillor Andrew Marks also agreed with Campbell, but more in the sense of his opposition to businesses moving into residential areas, as they significantly alter the neighbourhood's dynamics.
"I think if we can provide the neighbourhood here with an opportunity to talk, and get a better understanding, then its our job to do that. I also think it's our job to make sure that things are zoned properly, the proper business licenses are provided, and then followed up upon when we're talking about where we live," said Marks.
Rinaldo spoke again stating that there is a fine line the city must tread on when it comes to 'knowing about your neighbours'.
Campbell said the issue is currently "festering" and that the two sides aren't talking.
Black said there are many factors to consider, as boarding houses are legally permitted under that property's current zoning. Regarding the example of converting an old church into living spaces, Black said that requires a zoning amendment, as a church is zoned as 'institutional', which automatically requires public notice.
Council voted unanimously to proceed with the public meeting. Jensen will be tasked with organizing the meeting.
