“We came to the conclusion expansion of the lodge was the most economical and most efficient way to expand,” said Jack Christine, the Inn’s executive director. “We’re also happy the overflow shelter will be closing, as well, which I think everybody wants.” As well as being less expensive to build, an expansion is expected to happen more quickly than getting approvals needed to construct a second shelter, Christine said. The Lodge is expected to continue operating during construction. Operating costs for an expanded shelter aren’t
expected to be more than the county currently provides for beds at the lodge and the overflow site, the report said. The Lodge is expected to operate 25 of the additional 42 beds, with the ability to open more if needed. The Lodge property is zoned for a shelter, but the expansion may require minor changes from the city because of the additional bed count and parking requirements. “It just makes sense to have one consolidated operation,” rather than two stand-alone sites, said Melissa Fitzpatrick,
the county’s general manager of social services. “It is expected the need will be sustained for the foreseeable future,” she said. An average of 15 beds a night are currently in use at the overflow site, but demand typically declines during warmer months, Fitzpatrick said. Following a request from Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley, Fitzpatrick said the county and the Inn expect to hold an information session to share the expansion plans with neighbours of the Lodge. “Watching all the stuff on social media, the first
casualty is usually the truth,” Bradley said. pmorden@postmedia.com@ObserverPaulM
Lambton County, Sarnia, shelter expansion, Lodge, overflow shelter, permanent beds, social services, Mike Bradley, Jack Christine, Melissa Fitzpatrick
So they’re closing the overflow shelter but adding beds… ok but where are people supposed to go in winter?
“Less expensive” sounds nice until you realize they’re basically moving problems around. Also the mayor saying social media is the first casualty? Kinda rich coming from politicians.
Wait I thought they were building a second shelter? Now it’s an expansion of the lodge instead. I don’t get it. If it’s zoned for a shelter, why do they need any city changes for parking like everyone else isn’t dealing with parking problems already?
Consolidated operation sounds like they just don’t want two sites to manage, not “fewer beds sites” like the title says. Like they’ll only run 25 of 42 at first… that means 17 unused beds? Or are they just gonna keep it “empty” so they can say they expanded? And the overflow closing, yeah great, except you still have seasonal demand dropping in warm months right? I don’t follow, but I’m glad they’re having an info session because people will definitely misread everything online anyway.