Sprung Structures
It’s been a week since the City of Ottawa announced their plans for a newcomer reception centre in Kanata, in the form of a sprung structure. I have taken the last week to listen to our community, to ask questions, and to meet with those involved in making this decision.
First and foremost, I want to say that I am very disappointed in the lack of community involvement, or consultation in the City’s process that led to this decision. We deserve better.
We have always welcomed immigrants in this City, and I hope we always will. One of the strengths of our community is our diversity. Diversity of cultures and diversity of thoughts. It is this diversity of thoughts and ideas that the city process neglected to harness in their decision-making process.
I call on the City to correct this oversight.
Secondly, why a sprung structure? Why at the suggested locations? Why two locations? Is this truly the best we can do? Is this the best possible path forward to serve newcomers with the dignity they deserve, and the best path forward for our communities, and our city?
I call on the city to leverage the compassion, expertise, and resources we have in the people who call Ottawa home, and look for more long-term, sustainable options.
Let’s work together to find the best possible solution. That’s when Ottawa is at its best.
CFRA Ottawa Interview
I joined CFRA's Ottawa Now with Kristy Cameron on November 15, 2024. Listen to it here.
The two sites identified by City of Ottawa staff for sprung structures that would serve as welcome centres for asylum seekers.
