A community group known as the New Toronto Initiative, also referred to as the South Etobicoke Community Association, is taking legal action against the City of Toronto, local councillor Amber Morley, and consultant Bruce Davis of Public Progress. The lawsuit seeks $1 million in damages concerning the proposed construction of a homeless shelter for seniors in a parking lot located at 66 Third Street in Etobicoke.
The group is motivated by dissatisfaction with the public consultation process surrounding the shelter, alleging that it was designed to restrict resident input. Dan Perdue, a spokesperson for the New Toronto Initiative, emphasized their desire for an injunction to halt the project and return to a more thorough consultation process. Nearby resident Nadine Strople shared her experience from a virtual information meeting, indicating that many seniors, particularly those aged in their 70s and 80s who may only possess flip phones, felt excluded from discussions.
Perdue raised concerns about community safety, indicating that the shelter could lead to an increase in crime and issues related to drug addiction in the area. The City of Toronto, however, has asserted that multiple information sessions were conducted regarding the planned four-storey, 50-bed shelter catering to individuals aged 55 and older, with an anticipated opening date between 2028 and 2030. The shelter's proposed location is within 400 metres of two local schools and adjacent to a new senior centre where Strople resides.
Strople expressed worries about the shelter's proximity to residential balconies, stating it would be just nine metres away from some of them. She voiced concerns about a perceived rise in crime over the past two years and suggested that the establishment of a shelter would worsen the situation. Conversely, fellow resident Susannah Lavallee expressed support for the initiative, arguing that unhoused individuals often become victims of crime and that many community members endorse the shelter as a necessary resource for seniors to age in a safe and nurturing environment.
The New Toronto Initiative members advocate for more extensive consultations and the exploration of better-suited sites for a larger facility. Alongside their claims against the City and its representatives, the lawsuit also alleges potential conflicts of interest involving Councillor Morley and consultant Davis, as well as violations of bylaw requirements. It is important to note that none of these allegations have yet been proven in court.
Councillor Morley has distanced herself from the selection of the shelter's location but expressed her support for creating the facility to serve seniors in the community. She has assured the public that efforts will be made to ensure the shelter is thoughtfully designed and operates responsibly, while incorporating community input from residents of Etobicoke-Lakeshore. Consultant Bruce Davis, who has not yet reviewed the lawsuit, reaffirmed his commitment to fostering neighborhood strength through inclusive policies, transparent governance, and community engagement.
The New Toronto Initiative insists that the lawsuit is not purely a financial endeavor, but rather a call for accountability and a discontinuation of the shelter project. The group has further stated that if they were to receive any monetary compensation from the lawsuit, they would reinvest the funds back into the community.
