For some Lambton County residents in precarious living situations, it’s a step closer to having a place they can call home. Non-profit housing provider Indwell has won an appeal with the Ontario Land Tribunal, clearing the way for a 35 unit supportive housing building at 353 George Street in Sarnia. “Obviously the need is apparent to everyone that homelessness, outdoor encampments, the impacts of that on individual peoples’ lives is horrendous. And we should not be overlooking the reality that people need help,” said Graham Cubitt, the president of Flourish, the development arm of Indwell. The land for the project was donated by Lambton County. The appeal by Indwell came after Sarnia city council backed a Committee of Adjustment decision against the proposal. An earlier plan had included 50 units of affordable housing. “The tribunal said, on balance, the evidence points to the application being on line with the bylaw and meeting the intent of the official plan. And so therefore it should proceed,” explained Cubitt. The decision in Indwell’s favour, however, comes with the community still divided. Some area residents are concerned about the effect their future neighbours will have on the area. Neighbours Kelly O’Connor Beausoleil and Chris Beausoleil explain their fears are based on the experience with an existing nearby shelter. “We’re afraid that those few residents who are moving from the encampments and the shelters are going to pose a danger to the vulnerable people who live here,” said Chris. “It’s saturating the neighbourhood. Like what possible logic can there be in putting one facility a block from another facility,” added Kelly. Sarnia’s outgoing mayor, Mike Bradley, says it will be up to the new council to continue to support those in need. “The new council and the new mayor have got to recognize that you’ve gotta stand strong and you’ve gotta stand up for those who need help and don’t have a voice. They don’t have a voice. So that’s what this project is about. We went through some very, very contentious council meetings on this. But I’m glad the majority of council supported it, and now the Land Tribunal has,” Bradley exclaimed. Graham Cubitt says with the appeal process complete the final structural hurdle has now been cleared. He says they expect to break ground on the project in spring of 2027.
