Although Elliot Lake council recognizes the need for transitional housing, members turned down two motions to allow for rezoning to move ahead.
The Elliot Lake Women’s Group – Maplegate already operates two shelters and wanted to establish two transitional homes at properties the agency has already purchased.
However, Mayor Dan Marchisella says several concerns have been raised following a public hearing including lack of staff and possible drug use.
Marchisella says creating a home where you have multiple different people where they are in different life situations and the potential for controlled substances being used without staffing being there, that is where an issue comes into play in his mind, adding it is not just an issue for the individuals living in that home … it becomes an issue for the neighbours also.
Several members were also disturbed about what they perceive as a lack of following proper procedures for the rezoning.
Council wants to work with Maplegate, but in the end decided to turn down the rezoning until the group meets all requirements under city bylaws and satisfies concerns voiced by themselves and the public.
