An open letter to: Local MPP’s, The Ministry of Housing, Infrastructure Ontario, Thunder Bay City Council and City Administration.
I offer a personal opinion and possible solution to the Temporary Village project: Many have stated that the former Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital (LPH) should be reopened; While it is clear that the province will not do that, and that the land is being prepared for eventual sale, the parking lot is quite large and now quite empty, has access to existing infrastructure.
It would be large enough to contain the number of units being proposed for the ‘temporary’ shelter village, and would be shovel ready in no time. A proposed short term lease (two years), could be in exchange for funds being offered by the Ford Government. This could ensure the finite lifetime of the project while any enhancements to the land would be in the province’s favour.
Obviously, this site was never on the table for discussion but if the political will exists to ‘do something’; this could be a ‘win/win’ for both the city and the province.
Area residents may be less inclined to NIMBY this, as the former LPH has been in their backyard for decades. This is situated close to the Salvation Army’s ‘Journey to Life Centre’ and on a bus route.
Security measures would also assist with keeping the former LPH building free from further damage.
This would take some quick political finagling but I hope all concerned could see the sense in this idea and make it a workable compromise solution.
Len Maki
