Coalition calls for Matthew Perry House plans to be halted
A group of Ottawa residents is currently embroiled in a heated debate over plans to build a new addiction recovery centre on a patch of green space at The Royal, Ottawa’s mental health centre. The proposed Matthew Perry House, named in honor of the late Ottawa-raised actor who tragically passed away from a ketamine overdose, has sparked controversy among residents.
The Common Sense Planning Coalition has been vocal in opposing the project, citing concerns about the loss of “valuable community green space.” They argue that the recovery centre should be built on an adjacent parking lot instead. The group has launched an online petition calling for the termination of lease negotiations for the project, emphasizing the importance of smart, sustainable, and responsible planning that benefits everyone.
On the other hand, officials from The Royal and the Matthew Perry Foundation have refuted some of the coalition’s claims, stating that the arguments against the project are not factually accurate. The foundation behind the Matthew Perry House envisions it as a facility that would provide a comprehensive range of support services to individuals undergoing the recovery process, with residents having already completed a treatment program before arriving.
While the coalition’s leader, Robert Simpson, maintains that their opposition is rooted in concerns about bad urban planning, The Royal’s president and CEO, Cara Vaccarino, asserts that the land in question is zoned for institutional use and is not a public park. Vaccarino emphasizes the importance of leveraging public assets for the greater good of the community, highlighting the positive impact the recovery centre could have on reducing supportive housing wait times for individuals with mental health or addiction struggles.
Despite pushback from some residents and community associations, including the Island Park Community Association, who support the coalition’s efforts to relocate the project to the parking lot, the Matthew Perry Foundation remains hopeful that they can garner broader support for the initiative. Executive director Caitlin Morrison expressed disappointment at the misrepresentations in the coalition’s campaign materials and reiterated the foundation’s commitment to supporting individuals in need of addiction recovery services.
As the debate over the proposed Matthew Perry House continues, it is clear that there are differing perspectives on the project’s impact on the community and the use of green space at The Royal. While concerns about urban planning and public access to green spaces are valid, the potential benefits of the recovery centre for individuals struggling with addiction cannot be overlooked. Ultimately, finding a balanced solution that addresses the needs of both residents and those in need of support will be crucial in moving forward with the project.
