Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy said town staff and members of Whitby Council had no knowledge of an initiative to open a halfway house for recent parolees on Lupin Drive.
She said Whitby Council members and town staff were made aware that a company called Audmax has informed Whitby residents of plans to open the halfway house.
In response to concerns from the community about plans for a group home, she said the town authorities were not aware of the initiative prior to Audmax distributing letters in the neighbourhood.
Whitby also houses a shelter at 1635 Dundas Street East, which had given rise to some concerns on social media by neighbourhood residents.
Mayor Roy said the Audmax letter provided to neighbourhood residents and dated July 24, indicates that the company is working in collaboration with Correctional Service Canada and plans to open this residence on August 1.
“The Town of Whitby’s Group Home Licensing By-law requires all group homes in the town to be licensed annually. Town staff has confirmed that Audmax has not applied for a license for the home on Lupin Drive,” Mayor Roy said.
She said town staff is “working urgently with Whitby MP Ryan Turnbull’s office and Correctional Service Canada to obtain more information about this proposal.
“I will share updates as soon as more information is available.”
Mississuaga-based company website says Audmax is a Black-led consultancy. Its services include transitional housing.
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Nice job residents of Whitby!!