A proposal concerning Oshawa downtown support services calls for two organizations to move and for some problem properties to be purchased or repurposed.
Ward 4 city and regional councillor Rick Kerr outlined the three-part proposal in comments reported by Durham Post. It is a councillor’s position, not an approved City of Oshawa or Region of Durham plan.
Kerr argued that the closure of a homeless-services hub in Ajax contributed to more people seeking support in downtown Oshawa. He estimated that more than 100 people came to Oshawa, but the source report did not include a confirming regional count or a response from Durham Region. That figure should therefore be treated as his claim.
Three changes proposed
First, Kerr said the Back Door Mission should move out of downtown or close, with people directed to a HART hub. He acknowledged that the mission is a private organization outside direct city control and said discussions were ongoing.
Second, he proposed relocating Cornerstone and examining whether an older hotel could provide a different site. Kerr said he had spoken with federal MP Rhonda Kirkland, who committed to opening a discussion with the federal public-safety minister. No relocation decision or site has been announced.
Third, Kerr proposed acquiring and redeveloping buildings he associates with crime and drug activity. He pointed to renovations at Quebec Street apartments as an example of property changes he believes improved an area.
Context around enforcement
The comments follow enforcement notices and fines involving properties near Memorial Park, including the Canadian Automotive Museum. All About Durham previously reported on that enforcement dispute. Kerr said he had spoken with museum staff about responding to the tickets.
The latest report does not include responses from the Back Door Mission, Cornerstone, the City of Oshawa, Durham Region or Ajax. It also does not establish funding, authority or a timeline for the proposed moves. The plan remains political advocacy from one councillor.
