LIPSTICK ON A PIG! NEW DISTRICT HOUSING A DISGRACE. ANOTHER FIRST STREET SOUTH CRIME IN GRAVENHUST

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com  — OPINION

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GRAVENHURST — While Muskoka and Habitat for Humanity are investing $36 million for 124 new attainable housing units at the former Memorial arena site in Bracebridge, the district has hitched together three rusty old cargo freight trailers on First Street in Gravenhurst to house the homeless here.

They looked like they fell off a passing train a block away. And are another First Street crime — this time perpetrated by the government. Quick call the cops — they know where to find them.

In what can only best be described today as giving one the boxcar willies, the six units are being billed as a “transitional housing development” that is “part of the District’s Big Move on Housing, a $30 million investment to accelerate housing initiatives and reduce homelessness across Muskoka,” a June release read.

All aboard! Home is where the cargo box is in Gravenhurst for those seeking attainable and affordable housing currently being built cobbled together by the District of Muskoka on First Street in Gravenhurst. PHOTOS Mark Clairmont MuskokaTODAY.com

“This project is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about people,” said chair Jeff Lehman. “Everyone needs a safe place to call home and a chance to move forward. And 575 First Street South reflects our commitment to providing housing with the supports people need.

“The new units will be energy-efficient and designed to provide residents with stable housing and connections to community supports, strengthening opportunities for well-being and security.”

If you’re desperate for housing, these three cargo trailers with a cracked sidewalk are a step up from couch surfing or a district provided tent. Or perhaps a sideways move for some already seeking shelter living in a similar nearby container.

The tiny tin apartments are being hailed as “affordable and attainable” — though there is a huge difference in to two descriptives to someone on social assistance or an $18 an hour minimum wage job.

They looked looked like construction trailers when they appeared recently with conduits hanging in place.

But a new roof now cobbled-over by the district conglomerate comes across as putting lipstick on a pig. And a scary reminiscent of a Trail Trash Boys (sic) home complete presently with pig pen-like construction fencing surrounding it.

But wait … wait till the brown siding goes on.

It replaces a rundown private rooming house that proved a death trap for a woman at the northeast intersection of David Street and First Street. Her fiery ending was deemed an unexplainable accident.

The lipstick shade du jour coming appears to be either a dark chocolately brown or a rich burgundy shade.

The district is spending $27 million for its 103 units on James Street in Bracebridge.

While separately the 21 units that Habitat Gateway North — which has positively built smaller housing units in Gravenhurst and Muskoka — will spend $9 million for a separate building behind backing onto Hiram Street. Its cost is not shared with the district.

Nary a word of concern was mentioned during the election campaign about the latest Gravenhurst development debacle, which is a shame given the change in local and district council personnel and representation.

Where were past (and where will present?) councillors when their most vulnerable constituents are being boxed in?

As those you voted for at the next ribbon cutting or photo-op.

The First and David street intersection neighbourhood is expanding after private rundown rooming house was the deathbed of a woman in her fiery ending that was deemed an unexplainable accident.

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