A surprising wave of community activism has emerged in Barrhaven, where dozens of residents gathered on Sunday to voice their opposition to a city proposal that could see tent-like structures—known as “sprung structures”—built to house asylum seekers. This initiative stems from what city officials describe as “unprecedented levels” of migration to Ottawa, aiming to create emergency welcoming spaces and transitional housing.

The proposed location for these structures is near Greenbank Road and Highbury Park Drive, which was chosen from a shortlist of 70 potential sites across Ottawa. Other neighborhoods, such as Alta Vista and Orléans, had also been considered but ultimately left off the final list.

Critics argue that these temporary fabric buildings, designed to accommodate up to 150 individuals, raise significant safety concerns and fail to provide the dignified living conditions that asylum seekers deserve. Local councilor Wilson Lo emphasized the need for more permanent housing solutions, suggesting that other cities have successfully constructed lasting shelters using advanced rapid construction technologies, all within a similar budget and timeframe.

"We can’t simply erect temporary shelters without thinking long-term," Lo asserted. "These are multi-million dollar decisions that need proper oversight." Previously, he proposed a motion to limit staff authority regarding site selection, but it was ultimately voted down by the city council.

Residents also pointed out that the infrastructure in Barrhaven is struggling to keep pace with recent population growth. Jason MacDonald, chair of the Barrhaven Business Improvement Area, voiced his concerns regarding the lack of social services to support an influx of asylum seekers. "We don’t have sufficient addiction, mental health, or healthcare support systems in place," he remarked, highlighting the urgent need for better solutions for incoming refugees.

Despite the controversy, some city officials like Alta Vista Coun. Marty Carr have expressed support for the sprung structures, advocating for an equitable distribution across the city rather than concentrating them in Barrhaven. "Every neighborhood has a role to play in sheltering those in need. Barrhaven shouldn’t be exempt," she said.

Furthermore, residents are calling for greater transparency regarding the decision-making process and criteria behind the site selection. Xiaohua Ma, a concerned resident, lamented the lack of communication from city officials, stating, “It’s critical for us to understand how this decision was made and for the city to genuinely hear our concerns.”

As Barrhaven continues to grapple with these developments, another rally is scheduled for Tuesday to further protest the proposed shelters. The city has not released any final decisions on the location but aims to have the structures operational by 2025, raising questions about the future of community engagement in the decision-making process.

Stay tuned as this story develops—community voices are at the forefront, demanding a say in how their neighborhood is shaped in the face of increased migration and the pressing needs of refugees seeking a fresh start in Canada.