Public Consultation for Homeless Service Centre

Friday, 29 May 2026 10:44

A public meeting will be held for the Homeless Service Centre that's set to open in Woodstock in 2028.

WOODSTOCK - Residents will be able to voice their thoughts on the new Homeless Service Centre that's coming to Woodstock.

Oxford County has purchased the old YMCA building on Dundas Street with the goal of opening a 24/7 shelter by 2028 that will also offer supports to help people out of homelessness. The Woodstock Ingersoll Echo broke the news two weeks ago, Oxford County confirmed it a few days later, and the real estate deal is set to be finalized today.

Councillor Deb Tait brought a motion forward during Wednesday's Oxford County Council meeting, asking staff to organize a public meeting on the matter and allow public input no later than July 30th. It was passed unanimously by her fellow council members.

Councillor Tait also released the following statement to Heart FM:

"It was my motion back last term for a 24/7 homeless shelter with wrap around services. Many things have changed in the community since then but as everyone is aware, a place to be able to leave their belongings was needed.

While I am aware the current locations of limitations, there should have been consultation with all the stakeholders in the community of what that could look like.

I was very distressed to find out that was not done. There is no plan other than the building was purchased for over $4 million. It will be millions in renovations and even then, the building is twice the size that is required as only 45 beds are going to be in it.

This will not address the mental health and addiction issue that we will still see and there will be many who will still not use the space. No one can force anyone into treatment or a shelter. Mental health and addition are health related fields that would have to be funded by the Province. Property taxes can not and nor should they pay for those services. It is not stainable as we are already one of the highest taxed areas in regards to property taxes.

Throwing money at a building that is a tear down and no plan and no input from the public is not a good use of anyone tax dollars.

I spoke to someone who has worked in the field for years and their comment:

'The issues I have with the meeting is how upset council was is over the information went to the public. They aren't worried about putting 180 addicted, traumatized and mentally ill individuals under one roof or the impact on surrounding businesses and homes.'

No one around that council table has any experience in that line of work. It is one of the most complex and trying issues we are facing in society. Having zero input from those that do the work or have studied in the field is not doing any service to those that need that help and the rest of city that is tasked with paying for it. Just because I had a motion for a 24/7 shelter 6 years ago is not reason to once again look to find another model that may work-city after city is doing the same thing and the same results."

During his interview with Heart FM yesterday, Warden Marcus Ryan said the public will learn more about the public consultation process in June.