A property manager in downtown Oshawa is facing the potential loss of her long-standing family business situated across from a non-profit organization aiding homeless individuals due to ongoing issues such as drug use, vandalism, and public disturbances on her premises.
Cindy Malachowski, who has a multi-generational connection to Lord Simcoe Place on Simcoe Street S., expressed concerns over the significant decline in tenant occupancy, marking the highest vacancy rate in over five decades. One tenant, a paralegal service, decided to relocate despite appreciating the building and the management, citing concerns about witnessing public urination and drug-related activities near the property.
These challenges highlighted by Malachowski echo broader issues within downtown Oshawa, where Mayor Dan Carter has acknowledged the concentration of social services compared to other areas in Durham Region. Businesses in the vicinity have reported difficulties stemming from the influx of individuals accessing social support services, indicating a pressing need for more comprehensive solutions addressing homelessness root causes across Ontario.
Malachowski’s building faces Back Door Mission, a non-profit entity housed in a former church, facilitating Mission United in collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Durham. Nathan Gardner, the executive director of the mission, emphasized recent adjustments to their programs considering the welfare of clients, staff, and the local community.
In response to escalating concerns, Malachowski described witnessing disturbing incidents outside her property post-pandemic, including people passing out, aggressive behavior, and the frequent discovery of used needles and vandalism. The unsettling environment has forced her to undertake daily cleaning routines to manage bodily fluids and other waste left on the premises.
In May, Mayor Carter declared a public health crisis in Oshawa, citing escalating violence and illegal activities associated with homelessness, mental health issues, and substance abuse. Over the past five years, Durham Regional Police reported approximately 25 arrests with charges linked to Malachowski’s property.
Regarding the Mission United program run by Back Door Mission, Malachowski, a former CMHA employee, criticized its management, alleging that when the program reaches capacity, individuals are turned away and subsequently seek refuge on her property. Gardner acknowledged community concerns and mentioned significant operational changes implemented by the mission, including enhanced security measures, warning signage against trespassing, and discontinuation of outdoor activities.
Transitioning from crisis response to community-focused initiatives, Mission United has introduced new programs emphasizing homelessness support groups and addiction coping methods. Gardner emphasized the need to refocus on meaningful engagement to address the evolving needs of the community effectively.
Business owners in downtown Oshawa, including Louise Parkes and Darryl Sherman of Parmac Relationship Marketing Ltd. and Wilson Furniture, respectively, expressed concerns about the impact of the homelessness crisis on local businesses. They advocated for addressing underlying issues through measures like increased affordable housing and robust recovery programs to alleviate community challenges.
The escalating homelessness crisis in Oshawa has prompted a shift in local dynamics, deterring people from visiting downtown establishments due to safety concerns. Sherman highlighted the adverse impact on businesses, noting instances where companies relocated to safer areas to protect their staff and operations, ultimately undermining efforts to revitalize the community.
