Some St. John’s city councillors believe government made a mistake in deciding not to renew the lease on the old Airport Comfort Inn without a solid plan going forward.
The former hotel has been converted into emergency housing under the Horizons 106 banner, and while the lease expires at the end of the year, Ward 5 councillor Donnie Earle says government needs to consider an alternative to the facility.
Earle spoke passionately in the go-round at St. John’s city council this week.
He knows of people in his ward who are sleeping in the lobbies of banks and even in dumpsters.
“I hope…people on Confederation Hill understand the full grasp of shutting something down without having a plan forward to see where those people go tomorrow night,” he said.
“I’ve witnessed first hand friends of mine, people I’ve known, sleeping in the foyers of the Bank of Nova Scotia in the Goulds, or spending the night in a dumpster.”
Councillor Jill Bruce (St. John’s City Council)
Councillors Jill Bruce and Brenda Halley also expressed their disappointment with government’s decision not to extend the lease without a plan in place.
“I find it short-sighted,” said Halley. Councillor Bruce was surprised to hear the minister of Government Services say he plans to end homelessness, but government is closing Horizons. “I’m really, truly interested in finding out how all their pieces will come together.”
