JASON SETNYK
An open house on the proposed Bridge Housing project in Cornwall drew around 100 people to Knox-St. Paul’s United Church. Although some supported the project, many voiced their opposition.
City staff, including General Manager of Human Services Mellissa Morgan and Housing Manager Lisa Smith, adapted the event format on the fly to include a formal presentation and Q&A session. “We wanted to take this opportunity to share information and ensure we could hear directly from community members,” Smith said. “We received a wide range of feedback, with some attendees expressing support for the project and others voicing concerns about the location. All of this input is valuable and will be considered as we compile our report to Council.”
The proposed site at 800 12th Street, owned by Knox-St. Paul, would house 30 modular sleeping cabins, a community centre with laundry and washrooms, and outdoor features like a seating area and garden. The Bridge Housing model is designed to offer intensive case management and transitional support for people in unstable housing situations, such as those couch surfing or experiencing chronic homelessness. The goal is to prepare residents for permanent housing.
“Think of it like a bridge,” said Smith. “You’re going from one step to the next, but you’re being guided across. Our team will be there, with community partners, to support every step of that journey.”
The majority of attendees who spoke voiced deep unease. One person said, “My parents worked hard to live in this community. This is the wrong neighbourhood to do this in. Move them somewhere else.” Several expressed concern about safety, the impact on property values, and the proximity of the site to parks, bike paths, and bus stops.
“I already don’t feel safe on the bike path,” said another person. “And now you’re putting this here?”
City staff responded by explaining that security cameras are for the safety of residents, not because the site poses a public threat, and cited research showing no consistent link between affordable housing and declining property values. “Research reviewed by the Furman Center at NYU found that most affordable housing has no impact on surrounding property values,” explained Morgan, adding that fears often stem from stigma, not evidence.
Church officials were also questioned about their role. “Knowing that the community doesn’t want it, will you still be supporting it?” one audience member asked. Melodie Lemoeligou, board chair for Knox-St. Paul’s United Church, said in an interview earlier: “We’re a faith community trying to build a city where no one journeys alone. This project fits our mission and values. The church board was thrilled when it came to a vote-42 in favour, 2 opposed.”
The Bridge Housing initiative is part of a broader municipal strategy that includes permanent units at Massey Commons and other future builds. Morgan said the 30 sleeping cabins proposed for 12th Street are intentionally scaled to match the site and avoid overwhelming the neighbourhood. “We want to ensure it’s a smart move, and we’re committed to ongoing communication,” she said.
Councillor Elaine MacDonald noted the tension in the room but praised those who had the courage to speak in favour of the project. “People didn’t so much want to ask questions as they wanted to express their disapproval,” she said. “But there were eloquent speakers who supported it, and I was glad to see that. Everyone who wanted to speak did, and city staff were respectful and transparent in their responses.” MacDonald also noted the city’s effort to make participation accessible. “They gave out contact information for councillors and encouraged residents to weigh in before the final decision, which is expected in early February. I commend the city for that.”
City officials repeatedly emphasized that no final decision has been made. “This location is the preferred site, but Council will decide,” Smith confirmed. A full report will be presented to Council for consideration, and residents are invited to submit feedback or request delegation status at that meeting. While opponents dominated the room, there were moments of reflection and personal testimony. One landlord acknowledged tenant issues exist across all income levels and recognized the need for bridge housing somewhere in the city. A man with lived experience of homelessness also addressed the crowd, challenging assumptions and myths about the unhoused. Throughout the evening, city staff responded to worries about screening, security, drug use, and alternative sites. They noted that residents would be selected from the city’s By-Name List or centralized waitlist and must engage in a housing plan.
As for the site selection, Morgan explained that Knox-St. Paul’s approached the city after previous discussions about a more traditional build proved unfeasible due to infrastructure constraints. “We’ve been in conversation for years,” she said. “The city doesn’t own much land that’s suitable. This was one of the only available and viable options.”
Smith noted that the city currently tracks between 75 to 100 people experiencing homelessness, and that number could double over the next decade. The Bridge Housing proposal, combined with Massey Commons, would add 52 transitional housing units.
Whether the proposal will move forward remains to be seen. “We want to bring affordable housing to the community,” said Morgan. “And we want to do it in a way that’s thoughtful, sustainable, and supported by the people who live here.”
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