The Bridge to Home shelter on St. George Street could soon be forced out if Moncton City Council votes in favour.
Moncton City Councill Shawn Crossman introduced a motion on Monday night, and Councillor Daniel Bourgeois seconded it.
The motion stated that public safety must be a priority for the community and that residents and business owners in the proximity of 473 St. George Street deserve to feel safe and not put in harm’s way.
It also said open-air drug use, street disorder and crime had become normality throughout the city, but in particular the neighbourhood surrounding the shelter, causing frustration, fear and even anger at times.
Concerns over whether support services are being offered at Bridge to Home Hub were also raised in the motion, due to a lack of communication.
“Be it, therefore, resolved that Moncton City Council terminate the lease agreement entered into with the province of New Brunswick for the operation of the Bridge to Home Hub at the facility located at 473 St. George Street and return the building back to its initial function as a community centre,” the motion from Crossman concluded.
The province has been leasing the building for the past year, and the John Howard Society of Southeast New Brunswick has managed the property.
The motion also states mental health, addiction and housing are the Province of New Brunswick’s
responsibilities, and there has been an increase in crime within the area since the ‘Bridge to Home
Hub” was established.
Moncton City Council will vote on the motion at their next meeting on October 7th.
