'Things are basically out of control': Residents voice concerns over increased crime, drug use in Carlington

Residents in Ottawa's Carlington neighbourhood say they're fed up with the rise in crime and drug use since a supportive housing residence operated by the Shepherds of Good Hope (SGH) opened.

Residents in Ottawa's Carlington neighbourhood say they're fed up with the rise in crime and drug use since a supportive housing residence operated by the Shepherds of Good Hope (SGH) opened.

"You can't leave parcels on your porch, windows are being broken, and cars are being checked every night — if you leave your car unlocked, it's going to get broken into. You can't even walk here at night anymore," said Robert Schnobb, a Carlington resident who has lived in the area for more than 30 years.

"It's very frustrating to see our community go downhill like this."

The neighbourhood is already home to three buildings that offer support for Ottawa's vulnerable population, and plans are in the works to open up a fourth.

Those plans sparked a heated meeting in December, where residents voiced their concerns to the Shepherds.

But some in the community say their questions went unanswered.

"There was one that we thought was an easy answer. When they talk about the success of the Shepherds, what is the metric behind being successful?" said Frank Germano who has lived in the neighbourhood for over 20 years.