Update on Erb's Road Hybrid Shelter - December 11, 2024

Thank you to all who attended and provided feedback at the Community Meeting on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. In response to the concerns raised, the following changes will be implemented:

Communication

Beginning in January 2025, monthly Community Advisory Committee Meetings will be hosted by The Working Centre (TWC) to collaborate with community around service improvements. The new Community Advisory Committee (CAC) will have representatives from neighbours, local businesses, Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS), Wilmot Fire, and Waste Management. A larger community meeting will be held in March 2025, or at the direction of the CAC, to bring further updates to the full community.

All monthly updates will be posted on the Engage WR page and emailed to the subscriber list.

Good Neighbour Policy

TWC will be implementing a Good Neighbour Policy to effectively address behaviours and accountability of the shelter participants. Please refer to the contact card for more details on who to call for issues. Please continue to report any crimes to WRPS directly.

Acuity, Mental Health and Substance Use

Some shelter participants are experiencing mental health challenges as well as substance use challenges, and present with a high level of acuity. Intakes will consider the level and depth of needs.

Programming at the Shelter

TWC is adding more programming opportunities on and off site, including working with Engage Rural on how they can support participants. According to feedback from participants, they have expressed wanting to get more involved as well. WRPS and TWC are coordinating a bike safety workshop onsite for participants.

TWC is also exploring a sign in/out system for those who leave the shelter after hours, likely between 11:00 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Security

The Region has implemented enhanced security at and around the shelter, including adding more mobile security in the evening. Together with TWC, security is also in contact with WRPS where necessary if a situation arises. Neighbours are encouraged to reference the contact card for more information on who to call for what reason.

Data/Statistics

Both WRPS and TWC will look to bring back aggregate data about the area at the next community information meeting.

Thank you again to those who attending and provided feedback. We will continue to provide updates on the Engage WR page as they become available, including information for the next community information meeting.