"We're concerned that we'll be paralyzed by this, that we won't be able to offer anything new, said Debra Mattson, communications and fund development manager for YWCA Durham. The non-profit is part of a coalition of social services involved in an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal, which hears cases related to municipal and land use planning matters. The agencies say the bylaw is too broad and will limit people's access to needed services throughout Oshawa."
"According to Oshawa's bylaw, social service establishments include the following: Food banks. Soup kitchens. Those that provide drop-in services. Those that provide counselling services. Those that provide public access to personal hygiene facilities such as showers and laundry . That broad definition means even AA meetings held in churches could be in jeopardy, said Oshawa resident Deb Oldfield, the primary applicant for the appeal."
City council amended Oshawa's zoning bylaw in June to ban new social services from being within 800 metres of existing services. Several social service agencies, including YWCA Durham, say the restriction could prevent expansion and are joining an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal. The bylaw defines social service establishments broadly, listing food banks, soup kitchens, drop-in and counselling services, hygiene facilities, and clothing distribution. Agencies warn the broad definition could limit access across Oshawa and put activities such as AA meetings held in churches at risk. The mayor declined to comment and the appeal was filed in July.
Read at www.cbc.ca
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