'It's just so not fair': Moncton learning centre seeks new home
An emotional educator couldn't contain her frustration over having to move out of the Moncton Lions Community Centre.
"It's just so not fair," said Shelly Toudjian, the executive director of the Moncton Children's Dyslexic Learning Centre.
Last week, Toudjian found out they would have to find another home by Dec. 14 to make room for the city's new emergency homeless shelter.
She said she was given no notice at all.
"They need this service and if we don't have a place to tutor them, I don't know what's going to happen," said Toudjian. "These kids need us and we have been evicted from our place of learning."
The essential service is being provided to 15 children with 80 more on a waiting list.
There will be no tutoring this week because the staff are scrambling to find a new space.
Tutor Laura LeBlanc said she routinely sees children coming in with no self-confidence.
"They think they're dumb," said LeBlanc. "This is one of the root causes of homelessness. When someone doesn't have an education, when they don't have the self-confidence, that can effect them seriously."
There are about 50 rentals at the Lions Centre, not including the 15 to 20 programs for seniors. Most of those, don't have a new home yet.
In an email to CTV News, City of Moncton spokesperson Isabelle LeBlanc said they've identified a location for seniors activities at the centre and final details should be shared in the coming days.
As for the dyslexia centre, the city has put them in touch with a possible provider.
"We understand the frustration felt by individuals displaced by the situation. This was not an easy decision to make. However, as a community, we must do what we can to ensure that individuals have a place to stay warm," said LeBlanc.
Toudjian said they understand the need for the shelter.
"This is not anti-homeless. We're not like that. We know that the situation needs to be addressed, but we also know it feels like a knee-jerk reaction. I don't think they thought who the tenants were that they were displacing," said Toudjian.
With a limited budget, the dyslexia centre can't afford to pay more than $900 in rent, which they currently pay at the Lions Centre. That also doesn't include paying movers when a new space is located.
On Saturday, CTV News spoke with April Saulnier who runs a dog training program out of the centre.
Saulnier said on Monday she has found a new space for her business after a mad scramble.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.