The Emergency Shelter Findings Report looks into the potential impacts of locating an emergency shelter within the downtown core.
Public consultation process
We decided to hold a focus group discussion with selected stakeholders to gather materials and insight that we shared with the public through an open forum discussion.
Results and actions
Throughout the consultation process, we learned that the community would like to see more done to address the underlying social and economic drivers of homelessness in Kenora. This feedback is valuable and has been used to collaborate with service providers to ensure adequate supports are in place to serve vulnerable populations.
Since this survey, we've pursued a number of different initiatives to help improve social issues in the community including:
- amendments to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to enable affordable housing led by all public agencies in most zones and designations
- creation of a Municipal Capital Facilities By-law 109-2019 to allow for financial assistance to affordable housing projects
- membership into the Canadian Municipal Network on Crime Prevention to exchange knowledge on best practices around effective community safety strategies
- regular community engagement through events such as the Housing Forums and Community Safety Forums.
- emphasizing reconciliation by implementing cultural awareness training for staff, raising the Treaty #3 flag at City Hall and incorporating consultation with Indigenous communities into the Harbourfront Business Development Plan
- supporting the establishment of a Bear Clan street patrol in Kenora
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