TORONTO, Oct. 4, 2012 /CNW/ - The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has made a formal request to the Ontario Municipal Board to intervene in the Lynwood Charlton Centre's appeal of a decision by the City of Hamilton. This step is based on the OHRC's concerns about human rights issues when the City denied Lynwood Charlton the zoning required to move housing for eight teenage girls with mental health issues.
The OHRC will address the human rights issues arising from the City of Hamilton's radial separation distance requirements, among other issues.
In Minds that Matter: Report on the consultation on human rights, mental health and addictions, released two weeks ago, the OHRC called on municipalities to review their zoning bylaws to eliminate barriers to housing and services used by people with mental health issues or addictions. The OHRC also made a commitment to actively challenge discriminatory bylaws and neighbourhood opposition to housing - such as may have happened in Hamilton.
"This OMB application is based on an example of how bylaws can be used to keep people out of neighbourhoods," said Chief Commissioner Barbara Hall. "Human rights - and planning - must be about including all people, not excluding them, particularly if they are vulnerable to begin with."
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SOURCE: Ontario Human Rights Commission
Afroze Edwards
Senior Communications Officer
Ontario Human Rights Commission
416-314-4528
[email protected]
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