With Indwell's proposed George Street development essentially in limbo, supporters are continuing to stress the need for affordable and supportive housing units in Sarnia-Lambton.
DeGroot's Nurseries Owner John DeGroot and Vision Nursing Home CEO Heather Martin are part of a small community-led group that has been appealing for Indwell to come to Sarnia for the past few years.
DeGroot said initially, Indwell was not on board with the idea, but eventually made a commitment to the county to create 150 to 300 units in Sarnia-Lambton.
Following some recent back-and-forth, the non-profit Christian charity proposed a five-storey, 35-unit building at 353 George St. in Sarnia, on land donated by the County of Lambton.
However, meetings are currently being held with the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) after the Committee of Adjustment refused Indwell's proposed project due to overdevelopment.
A second case management conference with the OLT is scheduled to take place on June 25, and a merit hearing is scheduled for September 22.
"In the meantime, people are still living under a tarp, in a shelter, or somehow unhoused," DeGroot said.
He touted Indwell's past affordable and supportive housing projects in nearby communities, such as London and St. Thomas, for being well-kempt and a resource to help those who are struggling.
Martin said she and DeGroot will often visit London and St.Thomas to ensure Indwell knows there's still interest from the Sarnia community.
"We cannot risk losing Indwell," she said.
Martin also acknowledged the obvious displeasure of some who are against the proposed George Street development.
"The unintended consequence of the 'No Indwell' signs to our community is horrific," Martin said. "I don't think the group intended it to be that way."
Martin said the negative messaging has "put a damp blanket" on the project.
"But it hasn't stopped the work. The homeless are still homeless, the hungry are still hungry," Martin said. "Regardless of how angry the neighbourhood may be, we have to look beyond ourselves and say 'why are we so insular in that objective?'"
DeGroot and Martin were the guest speakers at Tuesday's Kiwanis Club of Sarnia-Lambton Golden K meeting.
