Shelter plan forecast too ‘rosy’: critic

The chair of the Quartier Vanier BIA is skeptical about a study commissioned by the Salvation Army that suggests a relocated shelter and health complex would pump $15 million into the local economy.

Mark Kaluski said no business owner has told him that the proposed complex for 333 Montreal Rd. would bring a financial windfall for Vanier.

“The report paints a rosy picture, but there’s a reason Ottawa neighbourhoods aren’t lining up to fight to get this project into their area,” Kaluski said Thursday.

The Salvation Army’s economic benefit study done by Shore-Tanner and Associates suggests Vanier is poised to receive millions of dollars in gross economic benefits and hundreds of spinoff jobs if the shelter and health services centre relocates to the community.

“In a vacuum, these numbers are a welcome investment into our commercial area,” Kaluski said. “What’s been disregarded is that the site could house an investment that would be a higher and better use of the lot.”

He said other potential developers would be interested in the motel property eyed by the Salvation Army.

But the Salvation Army has the conditional offer on the property and if city council approves a development application, the organization could have the complex built and operating by 2020.