THUNDER BAY — City Manager John Collin said he remains confident that the federal government will come through with funding after an Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Marcus Powlowski said he could not support the project as it's proposed.
“We are working with him to understand his concerns and try to address or mitigate his concerns as we move forward,” Collin told Newswatch.
Powlowski made the statement in a op-ed submitted to local news outlets. He called the sites proposed by the city for a temporary village unfair to residents and businesses in the south core.
“I also understand our member of parliament's point of view. There's another member of parliament in the region who has a very different point of view. I'm sure the federal government will weigh those views, as well as, all the other considerations and their mandate to take a human rights-based approach to the challenge of those experiencing homelessness,” Collin said.
Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Patty Hajdu said last week that she would advocate for any available funding for the city for the temporary village.
The city has already approved a budget of up to $5 million from the renew Thunder Bay reserve fund and is betting that the federal and provincial governments will come through with funding to help replenish city reserves.
“City council stepped up and said we're doing this, and they have committed the funds and now we're into the mode of trying to get others to commit funds to offset. The pressure on the municipal budget, but the commitment is there. The project will move ahead from a financial perspective,” Collin said.
City councillors Shelby Ch’ng and Kristen Oliver also addressed Powlowski's concerns in a letter published by Newswatch stating “Governments have a duty to protect the vulnerable while addressing community concerns through thoughtful implementation.”
Collin stated administration is engaging in discussions with both Thunder Bay’s members of parliament and they have written to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities requesting funding.
He also said the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee, which Oliver is the chair, is advocating through their normal channels.
"I think we've touched all the necessary bases and the expression 'time will tell' certainly holds true in this case,” he added.
