School Board has ongoing concerns with low barrier shelter location

By Richard Coffin

The Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is looking to set up a meeting with Mayor Peter Chirico.   

Trustees voted to send a letter asking for a meeting to discuss continuing concerns about the low-barrier shelter, located across the street from Chippewa Secondary School.   

The board says the letter outlines a growing number of risks and unsustainable expenses they’ve incurred.  

Officials also say Chippewa students, staff and school community members are experiencing distress and trauma when interacting with clients of the shelter. 

Chirico says he’s only a phone call away, but also says the centre was decided on before this council and District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB).   

He adds the situation has changed dramatically over the years.  

“We’re working on the problem to try and solve it and as a city we’re so far out of our lane that we’re trying to work together with DNSSAB the social service agency to try and fix this problem,” Chirico says.   

The board is looking to hear how the city plans to work with DNSSAB and other organizations to address the issues, and their plan for the future with NNDSB.