Mind'sEye

thumbs-up

198

67

thumbs-down

LETTER: Mayor Boshcoff’s “feelings over facts” approach harms us all

TBNewsWatch

54

You have written a thoughtful letter but you have fallen into the same issue that you accuse the mayor - not interested in the truth and propelled by emotions. Several of the statements you make are not supported by facts, but rather reflect your opinion. While safe supply cities in North America show a reduced opioid mortality, they also show higher property and violent crime rates, and lower property values in areas where safe supply and consumption sites are located. Further the Mayor has not suggested locking up drug users but rather has consistently advocated for more drug and alcohol treatment facilities to support those trapped by addiction. I do like to see people’s opinions to issues facing our community, but it is a disservice to state opinion as fact just to push an agenda.

6

Over 100 people are still living in tents this winter

TBNewsWatch

42

Isn’t this the same group that just said they don’t need $300,000 from dssab and they are just going to advocate instead of helping the homeless? Please don’t preach for others to do something when you just gave up on the same thing.

2

Compassion for homeless underway 'with few resources'

TBNewsWatch

6

One suggestion some have proposed is that the city dedicate 1 or 2 community centers to provide for indoor spaces for people who are homeless. They would be warm/cool and dry and have access to indoor washroom facilities. Support organizations would still visit and provide caring options. Some would progress into appropriate housing with supports but for those who choose not too they would still be safer than in a tent by the road. I’m sure many groups would support this and aim their funding in this direction. What do others think?

20

LETTER: Tent city is a disaster in the making

TBNewsWatch

17

I believe a big factor in the encampment issue is stated in the very first sentence of this letter. Many of those who set up ‘home’ in the encampments have severe addiction, are traumatized or have a mental illness. Without treatment of these health conditions there will never be any real change. Where is the health system in this discussion? Shouldn’t they be part of any proposed solution? This is what the human rights approach requires and what our society should demand. Let’s really help those who have an illness through appropriate treatment and not just focus on where they are sleeping. Treat the problem and we will see positive results.

2

'Housing not tents' Elevate NWO breaks ties with TBDSSAB

TBNewsWatch

15

So the dssab is building new transitional housing for the homeless but you don’t like that because you don’t know where people will go afterwards? You would rather “throw a tent around somebody”? Wouldn’t getting homeless people into any housing be the goal? I’m thinking there is more to this than she is telling us.

4

Council approves $162M capital budget for

TBNewsWatch

12

It’s a dangerous shell game that council is playing, and we as taxpayers may be the big losers. They are going against policies and by-law to push through spending that is not leveraged by outside funds. If those funds don’t arrive, we as tax payers have to cover the entire bill. And since the funds are coming from reserves, we will lose out on future capital projects. For Ch’ng to say it doesn’t matter shows a complete disregard for all rules governing council. At least Giertuga understands the rules, but couldn’t get support from other councilors.

4

Staal one of three finalists for the Selke Trophy

TBNewsWatch

13

A great accomplishment to be recognized as one of the top 3 defensive forwards in the NHL. Good luck in the voting.

2

Province providing $9.2M to the city for homelessness prevention

TBNewsWatch

6

This is good news. More spaces for people to get off the streets. This should help those who were camping out last year. Let’s get more spaces like these. Thank you to all the organizations involved.

7

Patty Wagon will soon be smashing burgers in Thunder Bay

TBNewsWatch

12

Congratulations on your new business venture. And another option for Thunder Bay for dinner. Start planning for your Novemburger offering!

1

Thunder Bay Police Service under inspection

TBNewsWatch

2

Isn’t it time to just get the OPP to police the city, and do away with the endless reviews, investigations and inquiries? Our police force is recognized across the country as dysfunctional. Years and years of saying we will do better, new chief after new chief, yet we are still in the same place. Please ask the province to take over policing.

10

Group for youths is long past 'stigmatized' beginnings

TBNewsWatch

7

Congratulations to Albert and his team of dedicated staff. The B&G Club is a great example of what a community can build and how we can support our next generation. Wonderful place for kids and youth.

1

LETTER: Mayor's reckless comments are disheartening

TBNewsWatch

5

The mayor made a mistake in saying some things that weren’t accurate. And he retracted them and apologized. And he has moved on to continue to do good work for our city. Mr. Harris, you have made mistakes in the past as well. We all move forward. There are many services and supports working hard to make this city a great place to live. Is it perfect - no. But we are doing what can be done u dear the circumstances. Things are different than they were 20 years ago, including there being more social issues. It does nothing to point out the problems if you can’t offer a realistic solution.

2

Rent unaffordable for people on social assistance: Shelter House

TBNewsWatch

1

The rent amount they use is the average in the community, so there are places with lower cost. It makes it look worse when they use this number but most would not be paying that amount for rent. They would find the less expensive places to rent.

6

Social services board funds 40 new shelter beds

TBNewsWatch

4

It’s not just a bed, it’s food, clothing, staffing, and the costs that go with helping each person.

New STAR team launching later this year

TBNewsWatch

1

Sounds like a great way to address the high incidents of mental health and addiction related calls. A much needed resource for our community. I wish the STAR team much success.

Local family receives new home through Habitat for Humanity

TBNewsWatch

1

Congratulations and best wishes for your family in your new home.

LETTER: City should declare an emergency due to the homeless situation

TBNewsWatch

Thunder Bay’s situation is no different than most cities across Ontario. Declaring an emergency would not generate any response. However we do understand what can be done to address the needs of many of those who are homeless. We saw last week the announcement of many new treatment and supportive housing spaces. This should be filled with at least half of those who have been staying in encampments. Another injection of funding will create more housing. Then people will have a place to go.

Carter George leads Canada into U18 world championship

TBNewsWatch

Congratulations and good luck. We are happy you are representing our country.