At its meeting next week, Elliot Lake City Council is expected to debate requests for two neighbourhood zoning changes from the Elliot Lake Women's Group Inc.
That's the non-profit corporation that operates Maplegate women's shelter, Larry's Place men's shelter, and other local shelters in dwelling homes.
The zoning changes would allow Maplegate to operate two more transition homes at 7 Diefenbaker Court, for men, and a women's centre at 143 Frobel Avenue.
Both have been operating for some time without zoning compliance.
Council members took part in a virtual public meeting on the topic Monday night as they listened to comments about the sought-after zoning changes.
Other presenters were Elliot Lake lawyer John Kearns, representing the Women's Group, and two planning consultants from JR Richards of Sudbury.
The meeting was live-streamed on the City of Elliot Lake website, with presenters participating via ZOOM.
Maplegate Executive Director, Melody Rose provided audio input to the meeting.
She told council the long pandemic period has made it difficult to hire trades needed to carry out renovations necessary for the homes to meet zoning standards.
That includes drywalling and window upgrades for some bedrooms at both locations.
She said the Women's Group has acquired a third house, at 148 Frobel, intending to establish a transition home there as well.
Denise McCrae who lives at 141 Frobel told the meeting she's concerned about harm reduction measures taking place in the building next door, at 143 Frobel.
She said since drug and alcohol use is permitted in the transition facility, the city might expect to assume liability for any problems which could arise under the arrangement based on harm reduction.
That's the management system that allows residents to live as they are in relation to drug and alcohol consumption.
Another concern for McCrae is day-to-day management at 143 Frobel.
When she called Maplegate to inquire about how many women had resided in the shelter in the last year, McCrae said, "I was mocked and hung up on."
Another presenter, Douglas Smith, said there are 24 children living in the Frobel neighbourhood. In that context, he's concerned about drug dealers living on the street.
He is also concerned about a report that crime would increase and property values could be expected to fall by 25 per cent, due to the presence of transition facility housing.
There were at least 10 Elliot Lake residents who submitted written presentations to the meeting, and others who signed a petition opposing the zoning change.
Only one submission was in favour.
Next Monday's meeting where council is expected to debate the zoning change, will be live-streamed on the city's website at 7 p.m.