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
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Biden calls Trump 'unhinged,' says 'something snapped' in former president after he lost 2020 U.S. election
U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday called Donald Trump “clearly unhinged” and claimed that “something snapped” in the former president after he lost the 2020 election.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.