Imminent closure of St. Stephen, N.B., warming centre puts entire town’s well-being 'at serious risk': community group
A community group in St. Stephen, N.B., says next week’s closure of a 24-hour warming centre will put the entire town’s well-being “at serious risk.”
The warming centre’s working group says there’s no permanent plan in place to address St. Stephen’s homelessness issues after the location closes on April 30.
“This closure leaves many vulnerable individuals without refuge or shelter, and serves to exacerbate the many challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness,” says the group in a written statement issued Thursday. “While dialogue has been ongoing, the lack of a concrete plan puts the well-being of our entire community at serious risk, leaving vulnerable individuals without essential resources and care.”
Jim Stuart, the executive director of Neighbourhood Works (which operates the town’s warming centre), didn’t respond to an interview request on Thursday.
The warming centre at 59 Union St. opened in February.
In January, the provincial government put plans to build a shelter “on pause,” following objections from some residents and businesses in the town’s Happy Valley Road area.
Social Development Minister Jill Green wasn’t made available for an interview on Thursday. A statement from the department says it’s “committed to supporting both transitional and public housing options for the community, and will continue forward on this path.”
The municipality declared a local state-of-emergency last December following the death of 41-year-old Adam Dickerson, who was found in need of urgent medical care at a local park before passing away. Dickerson had been homeless for several years.
The state-of-emergency was terminated by the provincial government within 48 hours, with an understanding the two levels of government would work together to build a permanent shelter.
- With files from CTV Atlantic’s Avery MacRae
For more New Brunswick news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Lanny McDonald and a few old Flames take the Stanley Cup on a surprise visit to the man who saved his life
The Stanley Cup was passing through town Friday, and Lanny Legend took it upon himself to take it for a surprise visit.
Bathroom break nearly derails $22 million project at city council meeting
A brief break during Wednesday's city council meeting in Saskatoon nearly cost the city dearly.
Chad Daybell sentenced to death for killing wife and girlfriend’s two children in jury decision
Jurors resumed deliberations Saturday on whether a man should be sentenced to death after being convicted days earlier of the murders of his wife and his girlfriend’s two youngest children in Idaho.
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
This Calgary home has a giant tree in the middle, and it's for sale
There's a luxury 'tree home' for sale in Calgary.
China lands spacecraft on the moon amid growing space rivalry with U.S.
A Chinese spacecraft landed on the far side of the moon Sunday to collect soil and rock samples that could provide insights into differences between the less-explored region and the better-known near side.
Pedestrian dies after being hit by train in Brockville, Ont.
Brockville Police says a pedestrian has died following a collision with a train that was heading to Toronto.