Sally Ann Vanier plan will harm community

Re: Why the Sally Ann’s Vanier move shows street smarts, June 24.

Kelly Egan asks, “Does it make sense for the Salvation Army to move out of the ByWard Market, and is the proposed location on Montreal Road a good home?” Yes to the move and no to the proposed location.

This type of project does not represent a state-of-the-art approach to combating homelessness. What is needed is real leadership, currently not provided by our elected officials, for people who need real help, with smaller and more customized buildings in a range of neighbourhoods.

Montreal Road has been in steady decline since the 1990s and this will be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. I urge residents from across this great city to stand in solidarity with Vanier. We’re desperately trying not to become a ghetto, and doing more than our share! Alexandre Grandmaître, Vanier