Canada's homeless crisis is spiralling out of control...

Overview

A Rebel News segment argues that homelessness and addiction-related problems around the Trinity Community Hub in downtown Peterborough, Ontario, are worsening rather than improving. It also claims the local low-barrier shelter model is not adequately addressing public safety and accountability concerns.

The Trinity Community Hub (Low-Barrier Model)

The video describes the Trinity Community Hub—operated by One City Peterborough—as a “low barrier” daytime drop-in and overnight shelter. It is presented as providing:

• Meals
• Sleeping space
• Basic services
• Minimal rules

While the hub is described as beneficial in theory, the segment focuses on sustained complaints from nearby residents and businesses, alleging issues such as:

• Open drug use and dealing
• Overdoses
• Property theft
• Garbage and unsanitary conditions (including public defecation)
• Tenting
• A general loss of neighborhood safety

Funding and Accountability Claims

A major catalyst cited is a July 25 Facebook post from the “Peter Bro Scanner” feed, which alleges the city’s funding arrangement with One City includes:

• About $2.7 million over three years (roughly $900,000 per year or about $2,465 per day) to run shelter and drop-in programs
• About $200,000 in federal funding for renovations

The post also alleges a lack of accountability and notes that police had announced increased enforcement against public drug consumption in the Trinity area in response to complaints.

Political Reactions

Michelle Ferrari (Former Conservative MP)

The segment quotes former Conservative MP Michelle Ferrari, who calls for specific, actionable plans from mayoral/council candidates or urges voters not to support them.

Alex Berk (Town Ward Councillor)

The segment describes Alex Berk (referenced via a July 26 post) defending the need for Trinity and One City. Berk argues that:

• The homelessness system is bottlenecked
• Shelter capacity is full
• Claims online are “sensationalized”

However, residents dispute that framing and continue to cite safety impacts.

Emma Harrison (Liberal MP)

On August 5, the segment says Liberal MP Emma Harrison posted a positive photo from inside the facility, praising compassion and operations (including the overnight shelter, meal program, and additional housing). Commenters respond that it is a “photo op” and highlight a gap between official messaging and nearby residents’ experiences.

City Response and Service Monitoring

The video states it attempted to solicit comments from the city, One City, Berk, and Harrison, and that only the city responded.

A city communications director is described as stating that One City’s performance is monitored through contractual requirements, including:

• Shelter use
• Service delivery
• Housing-pathway connections
• Staff training

The video further claims that when asked whether the city is satisfied with One City’s performance under the agreement, the city did not provide a direct yes/no answer. Instead, it emphasized that One City continues delivering contract-required services.

Background on the Building

The report provides historical context:

• Built as Trinity Methodist Church (1914–1916)
• Later became Trinity United Church
• The congregation disbanded in 2022, citing declining attendance and maintenance costs

The segment says the property was later acquired by the Peterborough Poverty Reduction Network, partnering with One City to create the current low-barrier hub.

Broader Argument: United Church Decline and the “Economy of Harm”

The segment ties the Trinity United context to broader decline in the United Church and argues that while shelters and support for addiction and mental health are necessary, the current spending level and approach—described as creating an “economy of harm”—is not working for the surrounding community.

Conclusion

The segment ends by calling for a different approach and ongoing field reporting.

Presenters / Contributors (Named in Subtitles)

• Scarlet Grace (Rebel News)
• Michelle Ferrari (former Conservative MP)
• Alex Berk (Town ward counselor)
• Emma Harrison (Liberal MP)
• Alec Berk (referenced in the text; likely the same as Alex Berk)
• One City Peterborough (organization; includes unnamed director of strategic communications and service for the City of Peterborough)