The future of a soon-to-be former long term care facility remains uncertain.
At last Monday’s council meeting, Councillor Ryan Doyle raised a notice of motion, asking for further discussion on plans to turn the Meadow Park Long Term Care property on Sandys Street into supportive housing.
In October 2024, council approved the purchase of the building for $1.699 million with the intent to change it into affordable housing. A recent report to council suggested hiring Architecttura Inc., Architects for the design phase.
Despite a discussion about the lack of emergency shelters and transitional housing options in Chatham-Kent, Doyle voiced concerns about creating supportive housing in the neighbourhood.
“I personally don’t like that area for a supportive housing location, for people specifically with mental health and addiction issues. Specifically because it is three doors down from the women’s shelter and backs up to a school,” said Doyle.
“That location, not the idea, the location is not the right spot for supportive housing.”
A recovery centre is what the councillor would rather to see, one that encompasses both a phase two withdrawal management program, a recovery home, and supportive housing that is specifically for sober living individuals.
Doyle also wants administration to report back with recommendations on a potential facility, including whether organizations are interested in operating supportive housing or a six-month recovery program, and whether the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance would support a Phase 2 withdrawal management program.
“I think putting money into recovery and stuff like that would be much more utilized and help people get off the streets and back on their feet and back to normal living,” said Doyle.
If approved, Doyle would like to see the report brought back to council at the June 22 meeting.
