Thorold Votes to Explore Shelter Idea

Councillor says this doesn't commit the city to building, but to help escape intimate partner violence

Unanimous support at the City of Thorold to explore the idea of a shelter, within the city, for anyone fleeing intimate partner violence.

Resident Tyler Robillard was pleased Councillor Carmen DeRose's idea was supported, saying Thorold is growing.

He adds growth means more emergency services are needed.  "Not because people are worse, but because statistics are impartial.  More people, always leads to more emergencies, more medical calls, more traffic collisions, more mental health crisis, more fire, more disputes, and yet, more incidents of intimate partner violence."

Councillor DeRose would not choose a site, saying he's not an expert at this.

He also stressed this does not commit Thorold to building a shelter, but explore ways to help people.

Robillard rejects the idea a shelter is just another social program.  "We don't question the need for fire stations because most of the homes don't catch fire, we don't question the need for ambulances, because most people will not need one today, we don't question the need for flood preparation because the river is calm this afternoon, but we prepare.  A wise community always understands that preparation is less costly than crisis."

Councillor DeRose added Thorold has the education, employment and social programs to help people.