THUNDER BAY — A call from Elevate NWO for an audit of vacant social housing units has gained the support of a local member of the legislature.
Lise Vaugeois, the MPP for Thunder Bay-Superior North said "The audit is a good idea...we need to clear the air on that particular issue."
In an interview Monday, the New Democrat MPP was responding to a request last week from Elevate NWO to Ontario Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Paul Calandra.
Executive director Holly Gauvin, in a letter to the minister, asked that "an immediate and comprehensive investigation" be conducted into the number of vacant units within the buildings operated by the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board.
DSSAB's multiple properties can accommodate about 2,500 tenants.
"Unconfirmed reports suggest there could be up to 200 (vacant) units," Gauvin wrote, "an alarming statistic that demands immediate scrutiny. Furthermore, we request that a concrete plan be shared to repair and reintroduce these units into service within the next 12 months."
She also wants to know how long any vacant units have remained unoccupied, and a plan to ensure they are made available on a priority basis to individuals currently living in shelters or encampments.
As well, Gauvin has asked for consultations among local stakeholders "to update outdated DSSAB policies, ensuring these policies support effective,humane solutions to homelessness."
To date, the social services board has declined to respond to her statements.
"I know that there are tensions in the city about whether or not those units could be made available, and if there's as many as 200, you know that's a significant question," Vaugeois said. "I want to basically applaud Holly for putting it in writing, sending it to the minister, and hopefully getting support to make it happen."
She said she plans to try to raise the issue with Minister Calandra.
"We have a severe housing crisis, right? She's asking for an accounting of what's there, and what money is available to do those repairs....Holly is in a position to have that insight. She's not just making noise for the sake of making noise about this. She sees people who are homeless, have nowhere to go, and knows there are spaces in the city. So what are the barriers to actually getting those spaces fit for people to live?"
Thunder Bay-Atikokan Progressive Conservative MPP Kevin Holland was not available for an interview, but issued a statement in response to a request from Newswatch.
He said DSSAB is receiving $14.2 million in Homelessness Prevention Program funding from the province to help meet local housing needs.
"While I acknowledge Elevate NWO's concerns, we continue working with our partners to ensure housing resources are used effectively and that policies are updated to support humane conditions," Holland wrote.
He did not indicate whether or not he supports Elevate NWO's call for an audit of the social services' board's vacant units.
