Westminster Ponds land to be new site for Indigenous-led homeless shelter this winter

The grounds behind Parkwood Hospital, with land backing onto Westminster Ponds, has been chosen as the new site for a winter shelter for Indigenous people experiencing homelessness this winter, Atlohsa Family Healing Services announced on Tuesday. 

"Stemming from Atlohsa's partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care London for the Biigajiiskaan Indigenous Mental Wellness program, we are very excited to be able to offer an Indigenous-led winter response in a safe location that meets the needs of our community members and staff," said Raymond Deleary, Atlohsa's executive director.

"We have been overwhelmed with positive community response following the fire at River Road, and we extend our gratitude to those who have reached out with offers of support. Prior to colonization, there was a place in our communities for everyone. The support we have received from St. Joseph's and the wider London community reminds us of our shared values of kindness, respect and inclusivity."

The location offers a lot of land on which there can be programming for Indigenous individuals, an important aspect of the Indigenous-led shelter. 

A previously announced shelter on the site of the River Road Golf Course had to be scrapped because a fire destroyed much of the clubhouse where programming would take place. 

Some neighbours expressed opposition to the River Road shelter location. A city of London worker, who lives near the golf course, has been charged with arson in the Nov. 7 fire. 

The loss of the golf course location was difficult, said Kevin Dickins, who oversees housing support for the city. 

 "The Indigenous-led temporary shelter site is a critical part of our winter response," Dickins said. "We will continue to work closely with Atlohsa and are committed to supporting them as they deliver this important service this winter."

St. Joseph's Health Care said it's "honoured" to work with Atlhosa and the Indigenous community. 

"We need to work together to find meaningful solutions that address homelessness in our community and we are thankful to be able to support this urgent need," said Roy Butler, the hospital's president and CEO.

The lands behind Parkwood Hospital, on Wellington Road and Commissioners Road, include several structures that are part of an abandoned veterans village built in 1946 for those returning home from the Second World War. Some, but not all, of the buildings are occupied by organizations. 

More to come.