Ottawa’s ByWard Market Faces Pressure Over Social Services Density

The concentration of social services in Ottawa’s ByWard Market is raising concerns among local officials and residents. City Councillor Stéphanie Plante argues that the area, known for its vibrant tourism, is struggling under the weight of numerous social services, shelters, and addiction treatment centres. This situation has led to significant social disorder, homeless encampments, and public safety issues, prompting calls for a re-evaluation of the distribution of these essential services.

Plante has expressed frustration at comparisons between the ByWard Market and other urban heritage sites, such as Vancouver’s Granville Island and Toronto’s Kensington Market. She emphasizes that the ByWard Market’s unique challenges stem from its dual role as a tourist attraction and a hub for social services. The area is home to three shelters, three supervised injection sites, two safe-supply pharmacies, four soup kitchens, and seven day programs, all within a 400- to 600-metre radius, which Plante describes as “illogical.”

She advocates for a “housing-first” approach to homelessness and addiction, aiming to decentralize social services from her Rideau-Vanier ward, which encompasses the ByWard Market, Lowertown, and Vanier. Plante believes that spreading social services throughout the city will help alleviate the burden on the ByWard Market while addressing systemic issues affecting various neighbourhoods.

According to Omer Livvarcin, a professor at the University of Ottawa, the high concentration of services in the downtown area is not without reason. Many individuals experiencing homelessness or addiction gravitate towards the city centre due to the availability of essential services, including hospitals and transit. Livvarcin suggests that Ottawa could benefit from phasing out some lower-intensity supports in the downtown in favour of community hubs across the city. This strategy could help maintain access to critical services while also fostering stability in other areas.

Plante’s vision is informed by her visit to Montreal’s Old Brewery Mission, which offers emergency services and community housing throughout the metropolitan area. She noted that while Montreal faces its own challenges, the decentralization of services has provided more equitable support across various neighbourhoods.

In support of this initiative, Kaite Burkholder Harris, the executive director of the Alliance to End Homelessness, emphasizes the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the complex needs of individuals facing homelessness. She advocates for permanent supportive housing with holistic support systems, stating that such models could reduce reliance on crisis services and allow individuals to choose where they live.

While the decentralization of services is a compelling proposal, Burkholder Harris cautions that it is not a quick-fix solution. She highlights that social services already exist in communities across the city and that immediate relocation of services from downtown would not yield instant benefits. Instead, addressing youth homelessness through strategic interventions is crucial to alleviating pressure on the shelter system.

Plante acknowledges the necessity of core services remaining in the downtown area but insists that a balanced distribution of resources is essential. She points to the upcoming construction of the Matthew Perry House, a supportive housing project on the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre campus, as a positive step towards expanding options for vulnerable populations.

The concentration of social services has not gone unnoticed by law enforcement. Eric Stubbs, Chief of the Ottawa Police Service, recognizes the collateral consequences that result from clustering these services in one area. He stresses the importance of implementing mitigation strategies to address the impact on surrounding neighbourhoods, noting that local businesses and residents may bear the brunt of the challenges associated with social service density.

Plante is hopeful that the current city council can foster improved communication with stakeholders to develop effective solutions for the ByWard Market. She acknowledges that the province must also play a role in establishing a coordinated strategy for social services.

While the idea of decentralizing social services may face opposition, Plante remains focused on the humanitarian needs of individuals requiring support. She asserts, “When all these services are packed together, clients don’t benefit.”

The challenges facing the ByWard Market highlight the broader issues of homelessness and addiction in urban settings. As Ottawa continues to navigate these complexities, the call for a more equitable distribution of social services may be a crucial step towards creating a healthier community for all residents.