Site near Nepean Sportsplex chosen for asylum seeker ‘welcoming centre’ [Video]

A large, tent-like structure to shelter and support asylum seekers seems destined for the Nepean Sportsplex area, according to Ottawa city staff, with another headed to Kanata South if necessary. 

A memo issued late Thursday indicated the first “welcoming centre” could be open by the end of 2025.

The sites aim to ease the substantial pressure on Ottawa’s shelter systems caused by a recent influx of people who come to Canada for refuge. 

A form of tent-like structure — such as those made by the Sprung company — were deemed most suitable, because of cost and the speed with which they can be put into use.

Clara Freire, the city’s general manager of community and social services, described them in the memo as a “more dignified option for newcomers who are …