Empty arenas pitching in for pandemic relief efforts

Recreation spaces repurposed for needed services,

A dozen weeks into the difficulties and frustrations of the shutdown, the novel coronavirus has at least opened the doors for some novel ideas and solutions to big issues.

In that regard, some creative thinking has led to opening up some previously closed city-run arenas in Toronto and Ottawa to help those who are struggling the most during the pandemic.

In the case of a food bank at the Oriole Community Centre in North York and temporary housing at the Jim Durrell arena in Ottawa, however, the needs of the hungry and the homeless are being served thanks to the combined efforts of city officials, aid agencies and the corporate community.

“It takes partnerships and some out-of-the-box thinking,” said Henry Chiu, director of development and marketing for the North York Harvest Food Bank.

When the Oriole Community Centre, just north of the Fairview Mall, was shut down due to coronavirus concerns, it meant the busy food bank in the building needed to be moved. Volunteers were also in shorter supply due to concerns the virus would spread, and other food banks shut down entirely resulting in even more visitors.

“We set up outside as a pop-up in the parking lot for awhile,” said Chiu.

That’s where the co-operation comes in. North York Harvest worked closely with city officials, eventually reaching an arrangement to open the rink next door, which has plenty of room for safe social distancing while dealing with the food demand.

Before the arrival of coronavirus, the food bank was serving 150 households per week. Now, 220 households are coming per week.

“There has been a 40-per-cent increase since the pandemic,” said Chiu. “A lot of people had lost their local food bank and were searching for a new one. Also, the financial situation has changed for so many people (due to lost jobs).”

A major financial boost was also provided by Aoyuan International, developers of a massive housing project in the Yonge and Finch areas. Aoyuan has donated $25,000 to the cause.

“Any time you bring in a new development, part of the deal is to work with the local (population),” said Vince Santino, senior vice-president of development for Aoyuan International, Toronto. “With all the back and forth with the telephone calls during the project, that was a different kind of phone call.

“We’re going to be here for awhile and everyone is doing what they can. We felt it was important to give back and help some of the most vulnerable and make a difference. A lot of credit goes to Henry and his team. It demonstrated ingenuity. I really admire how he was able to work with the city and connect the dots.”

In Ottawa, meanwhile, overcapacity and over crowding at the previously existing homeless shelters — appropriate social distancing is necessary — meant new solutions were required.

Enter the Jim Durrell arena, a two-pad facility near Bank Street and Walkley Road, which has been transformed into a men’s homeless shelter.

“We set up a task force which looked into various options,” said Shelley VanBuskirk, director of housing services in Ottawa. “We looked at churches, the RA Centre and other recreational facilities, but it was the ability to expand with the double pads that was key. We can set up 70 beds in each rink. Real beds with real mattresses.”

Other facilities have also pitched in.

Brewer Arena was established as a COVID-19 testing facility.

McNabb Arena is being used as a day respite centre.