Some residents said the development would be out of place, while others felt it would be another step toward gentrification, pushing people out of the predominantly lower- to middle-class neighbourhood that has been affordable for them.

“It’s forcing people back into the shadows,” said Dan Hennessey, Peterborough homelessness advocate. “I agree that the open-air drug use is rampant, but, they (police and agencies) should have other dedicated places, outside of the CTS (for people to go), where they can access services too.”

“I was broken beyond repair, I spent the first 10 days weeping for the position I found myself in,” said Susan Papov, when she found out she would be homeless.

“It’s going to cause landlords to not rent to folks whom they suspect of having a substance abuse disorder,” said Silver Spire Church Rev. Karen Orlandi.

“It ensures policy is driven by things like prejudice and stigma towards people who are unhoused or people who use drugs or people experiencing addiction,” said Dr. Scott Neufeld, assistant professor community psychology at Brock University.

“It means everything to us, because there hasn’t been a lot of support from the police department, unfortunately,” said Jennifer and Bill Adamson, in a statement.

“If you’re creating in your truth and you’re creating from a very authentic, honest place, that work is going to shine and resonate on its own, don’t worry about it,” said January Rogers, performing arts award recipient

“Too often governments speak of compassion while dragging their feet on life-saving measures,” said Sarah Schutts, a speaker at Positive Living’s International Opioid Awareness Day gathering Thursday.

“What reasoning do they have to declare no foul play?” said Nick Oldrieve, Please Bring Me Home executive director. “I understand, no trauma to the arm bone, but that is very blatantly not enough to say no foul play.”

“I’m just a mom trying to bring awareness in hopes one family doesn’t experience the same pain my family experienced,” said Diann Brown, organizer.

“If they were serious … they would have given some clarity on what the realistic opening date is,” said Emily Spanton, an addictions counsellor and co-chair of Niagara Advocates with Lived and Living Experience (NALE).

“I’m thinking about moving to Hamilton, because I’m noticing the (rents) are cheaper there and St. Catharines rent prices are unbelievable, it’s unrealistic,” said Karyssa Chininea.

“This government is negligent in addressing our homeless and addiction crisis head-on. We have a crisis in St. Catharines and across the region,” said St. Catharines MPP Jennie Stevens. #homeless #addiction #mentalhealth #funding #help

“We know downtowns have been hit hard by the homelessness and overdose crisis, so (the approach is about) finding ways to better support our community members and businesses at the same time,” said Talia Storm Positive Living StreetWorks director.

“We didn’t want to seem performative, in our participation, when there have been some contentious issues lately, like the public spaces use bylaw that had recently been put into action,” said Halley Irwin, Niagara Regional Native Centre development and community engagement director.

“We went out twice yesterday and walked the downtown core. We gave a lot of water and freezies out to individuals, but many of them we’re used to seeing weren’t out,” said Keanna Schuster, member of Niagara Advocates with Lived and Living Experience.

“(There’s) many things a normal person takes for granted, and I’ve just been given that,” said Eleanor Rye, former unhoused St. Catharines woman.

“Where are these people going to go to? Well, one direction would be it creates another pipeline to prison, said Voula Marinos, a Brock University criminal justice professor.

“Ellie camped (there) and took it upon herself to clean, (filling) over 70 garbage bags, so the city can come and picked it all up,” said Ann Macleod, a Richmond Avenue resident.

“Consumer product pricing is going to change, (and) as in times like this, the vulnerable are impacted the most,” said Lori Beech, executive director of Bethlehem Housing and Support Services.

“Most people experiencing increased food insecurity are renters,” she said. “The housing crisis has impacted people’s ability to provide food in their households,” said Joanne Heritz, Brock University adjunct professor.

“We need to rely on our community members ... to step up and fill those holes.” - Jessica Stephenson

“Our story is about Niagara, and the only way we’re able to do the good things we are is by collaborating with the community and key leaders in Niagara,” said Drew Toth, co-founder of Welland-based Elevate Living.

“We go on with our lives, but we’re very sad and heartbroken and it’s difficult because you just don’t know, we have no answers and we don’t know what to do anymore,” Jennifer Adamson said.

“No one should have to face dying on the street to begin with,” said Laura Dumas, Start Me Up Niagara executive director. “It shows how we’re deteriorating, how issues are getting worse and the lack of community we seem to have.”

“We want to send a message that we as a people need to see change. We have individuals dying on our streets that do not need to die,” said Alicia Marshall.

“He was an extremely talented musician, and he could play anything by ear,” said Elizabeth Allen, of her brother Bob.

“In 2025, to have people freezing to death on the streets is absolutely unacceptable and it breaks my heart that’s the way he died,” said Elizabeth Allen.

“Indigenous people do not seek rights through a Canadian constitution, through Section 35, that’s not where our rights come from,” Rinn Simon said.

“Addressing homelessness is one of the most pressing issues facing our community, and it’s a responsibility all orders of government share,” Bittle said, speaking directly to Niagara’s problem.

“If they’re spending an unprecedented amount of money and there is an unprecedented amount of homeless people at the same time, then this government has policies that are an unprecedented failure,” said Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch.

“Not everyone can afford public transportation or to drive to a grocery store, so people have to buy overpriced food … and pay more for food because it’s not accessible, it’s not walkable or even nutritious.” - Mike Enns, Westview Christian Fellowship

“Gentrification, of course, is a business plan for corporate investors, for the buying and replacing or renovating of cheap real estate, which is what we must call those boarded up houses in the Queenston Street area,” said Syl Roach, Queenston Neighbourhood Association member

“We want them to know, regardless, there are people thinking about them, as there’s much heartache this time of year, especially, when you’re struggling and living on the streets,” said Deanna Ernest, Beyond the Streets, vice-president.

“It’s a good feeling it’s gone and we’re not going to drive by and see it anymore, but it’s also opening those wounds again,” said Ashley Cronkwright.

“He talks about the history of Santa, he knows every bit of trivia, and talks about Santa across the cultures, which is becoming more and more important,” said Rhonda Cave, Vineyard to Village Horse and Carriage Co.

“It’s just whoever we can grab and put a warm hug around and trying to keep as many people busy and on the road as possible and managing chaos is the order of the day,” said Betty-Lou Souter, Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold executive director.

“He’s (Tremblay) one of those people who shouldn’t be homeless and if he needs financial assistance to get him through a rough period, it should be enough so he can house and feed himself while he finds a job,” said Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch.

“This is all just politicking, this is a mobilization of stigma, discrimination and dehumanization,” he said. “It’s patronizing, it’s paternalism towards people who use drugs for the purposes of building political power,” said Scott Neufeld, assistant professor community psychology Brock University

“People are desperate, they’re losing hope, which is the greatest thing to lose, because when you know nobody cares, what else do you have to lose?” Said Syl Roach, member of the Queenston Neighbourhood Association.

“We’re very consistent, the only thing different is we haven’t had to cut our programs back yet,” said executive director Betty-Lou Souter.

The banner/cover in full.

“It’s very serious to try to use the notwithstanding clause in this way and in fact, there’s an irony because they want to avoid granting homeless people the right to life,” said Leilani Farha, a Canadian human rights lawyer and former U.N. special rapporteur on the right to housing