Rally to Welcome Newcomers

Join Refugee613 on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 3:00 p.m. at Ben Franklin Place, and show that Ottawa stands with newcomers.

Right now, there are hundreds of people in our community that are spending their nights on a mat in community centres. Those community centres, in turn, can’t serve their residents as a recreational facility. This is unsustainable. This is not a plan.

The City developed a plan to transitional housing. It includes, in a proposal to the Federal Government, through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, for $106 million, sprung shelters and related operations for three years. The City will request formal commitment for funding for the Newcomer Reception System once the final sites and building plans are confirmed. Pending funding, the centres could open by the end of 2025. The centres will house and support refugee claimants, asylum seekers, and migrants resettling in Ottawa. Up to two centres will have a combined capacity of 300 single adult newcomers. Clients will stay at the centres for up to 90 days. If permanent housing has not been secured by then, they will move to transitional housing facilities or smaller reception homes across Ottawa.

People seeking refuge in Canada are here to live in peace and rebuild their lives with safety. Let’s uphold our shared values of community and helping others as we prepare to welcome these new neighbours to our city. Newcomers enrich and contribute to our community, welcoming them with humanity and openness is the best way to live our values and keep our community connected and thriving. Newcomers benefit significantly from tailored resettlement services. By offering these services on-site, we can better support a newcomer’s successful transition to life in Ottawa.

The centres will offer services to effectively transition into our community – including employment, interpretation and translation services; individualized case management for work permits, status hearings and benefits; trauma support; and more. These services will be delivered by experienced settlement agencies involved in the project’s planning and design.

Seeking asylum is a right under the UN Convention for those fleeing violence and persecution, when asylum seekers come here their human rights come with them. Here are some resources that address common misconceptions about refugees in Canada:

• Citizens for Public Justice:  Busting Myths About Refugees in Canada | Citizens for Public Justice
• The UN Refugee Agency Asylum Myths and Facts - UNHCR Canada .

These structures are a more appropriate and dignified alternative to the current, overcrowded bunk bed shelter conditions that the City has offered. Adding these structures to our city will also allow the community centres that are currently being used as overflow shelters to return to the uses they were originally designed for. This approach also relieves pressure on the emergency shelter system, creating more space for all clients in need of shelter and social services.

1. City staff have prepared a thorough list of Questions & Answers, which addresses many of your concerns.
2. Here is a link to the Memo that was released by the City of Ottawa on Thursday, November 7^th , which explains the process of how the two sites were selected.
3. Here is a city document that captures more information on sprung structures, including what they look like and the features they offer: https://documents.ottawa.ca/sites/default/files/SprungStructures_EN.pdf

I know the local councillor in Ward 9 is learning more about the site selection, but staff were delegated authority to choose the site based on specific criteria at Council by a majority vote of 22-3. Given the visceral response of many and the misinformation that has persisted about the program, I think delegated authority was indeed the most appropriate avenue. Residents will be able to participate in public consultations during the site plan application process, our office will be sure to share when this file comes to Planning and Housing Committee so that residents can provide written or oral delegations.

Ottawa has a proud history of welcoming refugees and other newcomers. Join us on Sunday to stand in solidarity with our city’s newest residents and show that we still welcome refugees!

More details, including a list of speakers, is coming soon.

This event is family-friendly: everyone is welcome!

The rally will take place outdoors. Dress for the weather!