As the cold weather continues to hang around the concern increases with homelessness rates in the region.
It has become an issue in Dryden and Chief Administrative Officer with the Kenora District Services Board Henry Wall says it is a top priority for him and the Board.
“We are hoping that over the coming months that we can work with the federal government and work with the province of Ontario to ensure that Dryden gets an emergency shelter that is seven days a week and it is permanent.”
A temporary pilot homelessness program is being established in the community.
Wall adds, “The pandemic is having an impact, has had a significant impact, on affordability. As housing prices go up, as rent goes up, it is pushing more and more people to the margins.”
Steve Clark is Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and vows to work with local officials to solve the problem.
He stresses local priorities are considered provincial priorities and if a viable project needs support, the government will be a champion.
“Greg Rickford has been and continues to be such a champion in our cabinet and in our government. I can tell you that if Minister Rickford and the DSAB want to work with me and my colleagues, we are there for them and we want to make sure that the need that is existing within the DSAB is addressed by the government,” says Clark.
