The executive director of The Gathering Place is shocked and disappointed with a decision by Metrobus to remove a bus shelter outside the facility.
Paul Davis says he was informed of the decision early last week. He had an immediate meeting with Metrobus to see if they would reconsider, but was told the decision was final and the shelter would be removed on February 15.
The shelter has been the topic of discussion between The Gathering Place and Metrobus before, as concerns about litter were brought forward in September. An agreement was made to have shelter staff clean and monitor the area on a daily basis.
Paul Davis
No complaints have been reported since the September meeting, leaving Davis shocked to hear of the decision.
Davis says the shelter is very important for residents in the area, especially those who frequent The Gathering Place.
Many guests use the bus to get to and from The Gathering Place, especially those who mainly avail of daytime services. Now, those people will be forced to wait outside without any protection from the elements. While Davis understands the shelters are only for those waiting for the bus, he’s concerned about those who have no choice but to take shelter there after hours or when the shelter is overcapacity.
The Gathering Place is calling on the City of St. John’s to intervene.
I advocated for this bus shelter to be put up when I was at The Gathering Place.
Everyone deserves the same respect while waiting for transit.
Removing this shelter isn’t the solution. pic.twitter.com/RD7sq1mTRR
— Joanne Thompson (@Joanne_NL) February 5, 2023
Ward 2 councillor Ophelia Ravencroft calls the decision “alarming.” She believes removing the bus shelter puts an already vulnerable population at greater risk.
She says often times, those shelters are there to protect the most vulnerable people. In this case, the vulnerable are those who turn to The Gathering Place to access a number of services.
While she is aware that there have been concerns with the condition of the shelter, but she has not received any recent complaints regarding the bus stop.
Ravencroft says she is committed to addressing the big picture issue of homelessness, but until everyone is able to find housing and shelter, the Metrobus shelter is an unfortunate but essential necessity.
“To take that shelter away… Quite frankly I think it’s cruel. No one would want to be in that position, no one is going to be there unless they absolutely feel they have no choice.”
Ravencroft says while council is aware of the issue, any decision on bus shelters ultimately lies with Metrobus.
