Residents concerned as downtown Hamilton Salvation Army plans move

Downtown Hamilton’s Salvation Army confirms that they’re eyeing a relocation to 337 Gage Ave. North, in Ward 3.

Some residents in Hamilton’s Ward 3 are voicing concerns regarding the possible relocation of the Salvation Army’s Booth Centre.

The men’s shelter is currently located on York Street in downtown Hamilton, across from the new TD Coliseum, but an application has been made to the city to move the facility to a residential neighbourhood.

The Salvation Army confirmed to CHCH News it is looking to move the shelter to 337 Gage Ave. North, just around the corner from Hamilton Stadium. However, those living in the area say it is not the right place for the establishment.

“The belief is basically that they think this is a low-to-no-income area, that people here won’t have an opinion or won’t have a voice,” local resident Lindsay Tipping said. “But we are working hard in this community to move up together and improve our own lives. This is already a vulnerable community. But we are working together to make it safer, happier, a good place for families to grow and for everyone to belong here. So to just jam in a new vulnerable community and expect us to be able to withstand that when we already have our own issues here, it’s just not fair.”

The relocation depends on the result of a variance application made by HUPEG, a downtown consortium led by Carmen’s Group. If approved, the variance would allow the building on Gage Avenue North to operate as a social service establishment with overnight accommodations.

“What really is the fix? Moving the problem or trying to help the people with the problems?” said resident Sam Howes. “Because it doesn’t seem like moving them around helps the problem.” 

“You can’t just jam something into a preexisting neighbourhood and expect no one to have an opinion,” said Tipping.

Ward 3 Coun. Nrinder Nann said residents can still be heard on the matter. She encouraged community members to sign up for the Committee of Adjustment meeting on May 19 at 10:15 a.m, where the application will be discussed.

“I really encourage every resident in the area who lives in the area who wants to have their voice heard to go ahead, go forward to the Committee of Adjustment,” Nann said. “You can do it by writing, you can do it virtually, or you can do it in person. And it’s really important to get yourself registered by May 15 at noon.”

The Salvation Army told CHCH News in an email late Tuesday afternoon, “We would continue providing emergency shelter and support services for people experiencing homelessness. The new site would allow us to offer those services in a more modern space, with better accessibility, improved program areas and stronger connections to community supports.”

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