Ottawa: War Of Words Over New Salvation Army Project In Vanier



The tension between Coun. Mathieu Fleury and the Salvation Army seems to only be getting worse as Fleury denies claims that he supported the plans to build a homeless shelter on Montreal Road in Vanier.

"I didn't think keeping that model was acceptable, so yes, I was in favour of an investment,” Fleury said during an interview with Radio-Canada French. “But I was in favour of an investment at several sites. I was always clear that the site at 333 Montreal Road was not acceptable."

However, Glenn van Gulik, a spokesperson for the Salvation Army claims that Fleury and other city officials have known about the planned site since January 2015. In a letter sent to both Fleury and Mayor Jim Watson, Gulik wrote, "At that time, you indicated that you were supportive of a concept where the design of a new facility did not replicate the current structure in the [ByWard Market], a facility that did not resemble institutional use and had a 'wow' factor that the Ottawa Booth Centre does not have.”

Fleury claims that Gulik is trying to spin the situation for the media.

"Every time they talked about the site 333 Montreal Rd. I was opposed, and they don't mention that at all in their long, four-page letter. We're preparing a response to the letter as there are several parts that are not correct, including the fact that I supported the project," Fleury said.



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