Refugee groups uneasy over decision to nix newcomer centres [Video]

After months of fighting for tent-like reception centres to house asylum seekers in Ottawa, Camille Kamanzi says he’s filled with disappointment. 

“The city just let us down,” said Kamanzi, executive director of Burundi We Want Ottawa.

On March 12, the City of Ottawa announced it was cancelling plans to move forward with the controversial centres — one near the Nepean Sportsplex, and a second in Kanata if it was needed.

Their purpose was to be a one-stop shop for resettlement services. Newcomers would receive housing, food and social support for 90 days until they got a more permanent solution.

The plan was created in response to an influx of unhoused refugee claimants, one that forced the city to shelter people in municipal recreation centres. 

While the city says the demands posed by newcomers on the city’s shelter system has declined, Kamanzi disagrees.

“To just eliminate that as if the problem is solved, I think it’s just beyond insulting to us,” he said, adding that his organization is overwhelmed …