After public concerns about new zoning applications by Maplegate House for Women to add a transitional house for women and a new men's shelter, city council approved the zoning bylaws.
Concerns by residents surrounding the areas where these homes will be were met by city council during a public meeting on Jan. 8.
Speaking on behalf Maplegate House for Women, local attorney Doug Kearns expressed to council the need for the local men's shelter.
"This is not a matter of 'you can't pick your neighbours' but a matter of housing being a human right," he explained. "These people need respect. There are not a lot of programs in the area for men.
Douglas Elliott, member of the Elliot Lake Pride Committee, expressed his feelings concerning a men's shelter in the area, saying there is a need for a place for youth who are part of the LGTB community.
"There is a crisis centre in Toronto for members of the LGTB community," he said. "I found out that a lot of youth from northern Ontario attend this shelter. There is a lack of men's shelter here. We support this application for zoning."
One of the major concerns for residents surrounding the planned location for the men's shelter, 241 Mississauga Ave., is supervision.
To date, Maplegate House for Women has said the men's shelter would be supervised by volunteers from 7 p.m until 7 a.m and visited by members of Maplegate House for Women once a week.
"This shelter should be 24-hours supervision and not just for the night," said concerned resident Mary-Anne Murphy. "I live next door. I would just like to feel safe."
Other residents in the area are in favour of the shelter.
Derick Duhaime told council that assumptions about men seeking shelter are largely unfounded. "They're all not bad people," he said.
"These men are not criminals. They are just looking for a place to stay," he said. It doesn't have to be a homeless person to be a bad person."
After hearing concerns about the men's shelter, council discussed the proposed bylaw.
Councillor Norman Mann agreed there's a need for the shelter and said he would support both amendments.
"Anyone of us may need these facilities," he said. "We need to work with Maplegate."
After much discussion, council came together to vote to pass the bylaw. All but one councillor approved the bylaw. Coun. Chris Patrie voted against it.
"I'm glad to see this coming forward," said Mayor Dan Marchisella. "It's a need.”
The men's shelter will be a three bedroom home that will house up to a maximum of six men, with a separate bedroom for the overnight volunteer worker.
The other zoning amendment requested by Maplegate House for Women was a new transitional home for women to be located on Lawrence Ave.
Residents came forward to express their concerns although most agreed there are women in the community who also need support and a safe place to live.
"It is a process before getting into the transitional home," said Maplegate House for Women Executive Director Melody Rose. "This is a step toward independent living. This house is for women who are suffering through housing barriers."
Council agreed with Rose, acknowledging the need for a transitional home for women and saying the city should come together to help alleviate homelessness in the area.
"If this city is going to be strong again, we need to support each other," said councillor Luc Cyr. "I support both."
After a roll call vote, council unanimously voted to approve the transitional home.
“I'm very relieved," said Rose after the bylaws passed. "I'm very proud of the councillors tonight for approving this. We get calls constantly from men, as recently as today. There is a need and it will be done."
The transitional house for women will have five bedrooms and will help to prepare women for society while they wait for proper housing.
According to Rose, Maplegate House for Women is hoping to have the two houses ready for occupants by Jan. 31.
"This is a very good thing from council tonight. These projects are being funded by the Coldest Night of the Year events, with the next one being Feb. 24."