A mix of emotional responses and clinical logistics were debated at Midland council last night, with a 7-1 recorded vote decided in favour of the town joining major cities in asking the province for help on homeless relocation legislation.
The late-item addition to the agenda was made by Mayor Bill Gordon, who requested council support to add his mayoral signature to a letter sent by Barrie and roughly a dozen Ontario cities to Premier Ford, “requesting assistance from the provincial government with respect to issues relating to mental health, addiction and homeless encampments”.
In his reasoning, Gordon explained while large cities dealt with encampment, mental health and safety issues “to a degree that Midland couldn't even come to terms with,” Midland’s lower-tier location as a Central North Correctional Centre discharge location, along with mental health resources, a courthouse and shelter; “we're in the bottom of the bowl – we collect it all and our taxpayers are left soaking up the results.”
He added his concern was centred around townsfolk, but admitted his “prickly side” would sometimes want non-residents to go back where they came from so he could focus on helping Midland residents.
As Midland relied on county support which ultimately came from provincial rules and regulations, Gordon said, “we would be the first non big city to endorse this,” but held off on his own volition so as to first ask council as a whole to support him formally.
Conversation was mostly in support for the town to join the letter, but in firm opposition was Deputy Mayor Beth Prost who welled up with emotion at the suggestion of displacing people. “You don't kick people when they're down. We need to get to the root of the problem; it's going to take several years, a lot of money, a lot of patience, but I believe we can do it.
“We have a public meeting coming up next week, and I think we need to keep trying. We can't give up on people. I can't support this, that (displacement) part of that letter,” said Prost, needing a moment to recompose.
Coun. Catherine MacDonald took issue with Gordon’s admitting to his “prickly” thoughts, but bartered she would support the motion if council would further craft another letter to the province following the November 14 hope, housing and health symposium, but tailored specifically to Midland’s needs.
In full support were Coun. Sheldon East who related an anecdote of incarceration making a positive change on a homeless friend, and Bill Meridis who cautioned that the town was currently not in a position to discern a troubled homeless individual from one who would aggressively threaten townsfolk.
“In a year from now,” said Meridis, “our (emotional) decision tonight may turn on us without having any type of authority.”
Prost reiterated her stance once all members of council had their say, and requested a recorded vote on the motion. Hers was the sole nay vote cast, and the 7-1 decision was carried; of note, Coun. Jamie-Lee Ball was ill and not in attendance to cast a vote.
Following the meeting, Gordon added that he liked the suggestion by MacDonald and Coun. Howie Major to craft a Midland-made letter once the symposium had concluded.
Council meetings are held every third Wednesday, and can be viewed on Rogers TV cable channel 53 when available, or through the livestream on the Rogers TV website. Archives of council meetings are available through Rogers TV and on the Town of Midland’s YouTube channel.
