Questions raised over texts, emails to city councillors opposing installation of Barrhaven sprung structures

Many Kanata residents are pushing back against the installation of a tent-like structure to house asylum seekers, holding a rally Saturday to oppose the decision.

Many Kanata residents are pushing back against the installation of a tent-like structure to house asylum seekers, holding a rally Saturday to oppose the decision.

A city memo announced this week that 40 Hearst Way, part of the Eagleson Park and Ride in Kanata South, would be used for a "newcomer welcoming centre" as required. The first such structure is planned for 1645 Woodroffe Ave., near the Nepean Sportsplex

It comes on the heels of two opposition rallies in Barrhaven, at the corner of Greenbank Road and Highbury Park Drive, a location that was initially on the shortlist, but was later removed.

A freedom of information request from the City of Ottawa obtained by Newstalk 580 CFRA and CTV News shows a concerted effort between local councillors and the Barrhaven Business Improvement Area (BIA) to keep the facility out of the community.

This includes emails and dozens of text messages from local city councillors David Hill and Wilson Lo to apply pressure and strategize on messaging. In a July email, Barrhaven BIA executive director, Andrea Steenbakkers cited concerns about the structure being an "eyesore" and in proximity to schools.

"I'm having a hard time understanding how the middle of suburbia could possibly be the best location for this 25-40 year eyesore of a tent and especially considering the proposed use. The proximity to multiple schools and the number of families and children alone should be avoided since there were 60 plus other sites considered," read the email from Steenbakkers to the Barrhaven councillors.

Chair of the Barrhaven BIA, Jason MacDonald, also told the councillors he owned a business directly near the proposed site.