Viola’s Place was a major topic of discussion at last night’s regular meeting of New Glasgow Town Council, which led to the passing of two motions.
The first was a motion put forward at the last council meeting by councillor Joe MacDonald to revoke the tax exemption status for the shelter, which he originally put forth as a sign from council of their disappointment with the lack of progress in addressing concerns over safety in the area. Council passed the motion, which means that as of April 1, Viola’s Place tax-exempt status will not be automatically renewed. The option is still available for the shelter board to re-apply if they wish.
During the committee of council meeting, Councillor Jim McKenna gave notice to present a motion next month for council to form a working group, including members of council, Viola’s place representatives, and other local stakeholders to examine alternate locations for the shelter that could still allow it to provide effective services. The group would be given nine months – subject to extensions if needed – to present recommendations for council to examine, and for a preferred location to be forwarded by council to the provincial government for consideration. The motion also asks the province to “develop comprehensive provincial guidelines and oversight standards for the operation and management of homeless shelters province-wide.”
After a lengthy discussion about the motion, the town’s solicitor told council that because there appeared to be a consensus in favour, council could move to waive the 30-day notice of consideration and vote on it that night. Council did vote to waive the notice, and passed the motion unanimously.