A property manager in downtown Oshawa is facing challenges that could jeopardize her long-standing family business due to ongoing issues such as drug use, vandalism, and public disturbances on her premises. Lord Simcoe Place on Simcoe Street S. has been owned by Cindy Malachowski’s family for generations, but she is now experiencing a decline in tenants and the highest vacancy rate in over five decades.
Malachowski mentioned that a paralegal service decided to leave the building due to concerns about witnessing drug use and public urination near their office. These issues are not unique to her property, as Mayor Dan Carter has acknowledged similar problems in downtown Oshawa, which has a substantial number of social services compared to other areas in Durham Region.
The challenges faced by Malachowski’s building are exacerbated by its proximity to Back Door Mission, a non-profit organization assisting the homeless population. The mission collaborates with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Durham to run the Mission United program, which aims to support individuals in need.
Since the onset of the pandemic, Malachowski has observed individuals outside her building exhibiting aggressive behavior and passing out. She regularly finds discarded needles, deals with vandalism, and has to clean up bodily fluids multiple times a day. The situation has led to approximately 25 arrests with charges related to incidents at her property over the past five years, according to Durham Regional Police.
In response to the escalating challenges, Mayor Carter declared a public health crisis in Oshawa, citing concerns about safety and unlawful activities linked to homelessness, mental health, and addiction issues. Malachowski expressed discontent with how the Mission United program is managed by Back Door Mission, claiming that when the program reaches capacity, individuals are turned away and end up on her property.
Executive director Nathan Gardner of Back Door Mission acknowledged the concerns raised by businesses and community members. The mission has implemented significant changes, including increased security measures, warning signage against trespassing, and the cessation of outdoor activities. The organization is striving to enhance restroom accessibility throughout the day.
Moreover, Malachowski and other business owners in downtown Oshawa have emphasized the need for addressing root causes such as providing more affordable housing and enhancing recovery programs. The impact of the homelessness crisis has led to businesses relocating due to safety concerns, contributing to the decline in the downtown area’s vitality and economic activity.
Efforts to address the broader issues of homelessness, mental health, and addiction in Oshawa are ongoing, with a focus on improving services and support for vulnerable populations. Stakeholders are advocating for a collaborative approach to finding sustainable solutions to the complex challenges faced by the community.