|
Canada
NewsWire
General News, Tuesday, September 24, 2002
Growing health and safety concerns prompt end to unlawful occupation
Canada NewsWire
TORONTO - Growing concern for the safety of occupants, visitors to the
site and the broader community have prompted The Home
Depot Canada, with the support of the Toronto Police Service, to end the
unlawful inhabitation of its property at Lakeshore Blvd. and Cherry St. in
downtown Toronto. The property had become occupied by a collection of
individuals living in makeshift structures
that fail to meet any safety code or standard.
For nearly two years, The Home Depot has been working with agencies
including its community-housing partner, Homes First Society, and the City
of Toronto to resolve this unlawful occupation. Unfortunately, a solution
could not be found and worsening conditions at the site compelled the
company to act.
"Home Depot Canada has always had two primary concerns- the people
and their safety," said Annette Verschuren, President, The Home Depot
Canada. "After learning about the worsening conditions at the site,
we had to do the right thing and remove these people from a dangerous and
deteriorating situation."
"We have worked closely with authorities to ensure that these people
will have access to Toronto's social services support network," said
Ms. Verschuren. She cited the company's work with the Office of the Police
Chaplain to organize the care and counselling assistance of trained staff
from the Yonge Street Mission, medical staff from the Toronto Police
Service and to notify agencies such as the Salvation Army and the City of
Toronto Housing Group to be prepared to assist those in need of help. Home
Depot is taking special care to safeguard all personal belongings and
everyone will have an opportunity to reclaim these items.
The growing health and safety risks include:
- Serious Criminal Activity - The site has become a haven for drug dealing
and prostitution. Home Depot has learned that there have been several
serious violent incidents on the property and many of the people who visit
the site appear to do so to buy crack cocaine.
- Threat of Accidental Fire - The Toronto Fire Services have identified
numerous Fire Code violations that pose serious safety threats to the
inhabitants and have also responded to a number of fires on the site.
- Unsafe Electrical Hook-ups - Electricity is being stolen from nearby
sources and potentially deadly electrical connections have been noted in
structures throughout the site, further contributing to fire and safety
concerns.
- Deteriorating Sanitary Conditions - Sanitary conditions on the site have
grown worse with the continued accumulation of garbage, human and medical
waste. A June 2002 Toronto City Council directive indicates the City of
Toronto has similar concerns.
- Environmental Concerns - The soil on the site was left contaminated by
previous industrial use. Since purchasing the site, Home Depot notified
the appropriate agencies of the environmental concerns and distributed
notices to those living on the site advising them of the hazard and
indicating that they must leave the property.
The Home Depot, which has no plans for the development of the site, is
constructing a fence around the property, will have 24-hour security, and
intends to begin the process of making the site environmentally
safe.
Founded
in 1978, The Home Depot is the world's largest home improvement specialty
retailer and the second largest retailer in the United States. The company
employs more than 296,000 associates and has 1,451 stores in 49 states,
Puerto Rico, seven Canadian provinces, and Mexico. The Home Depot Canada
is committed to helping create more affordable housing and working with
organizations to aid the homeless. In Canada, we partner with Habitat for
Humanity and provide over $1 million/year in support. The Home Depot
Canada has also been recognized for its community service by the Ontario
Ministry of Community, Family and Children's Services.
Back
to Tent City |