Dev Hotel resident in Cornwall says IRCC has issued some 60-day extensions

The resident had their bags packed on Monday morning before learning of the decision, which could apply to any Dev residents who are currently employed in the Cornwall area.

Published Jul 29, 2024 • Last updated 9 hours ago • 3 minute read

Sign on the south side the Dev Hotel and Conference Centre in Cornwall. Photo by Todd Hambleton /POSTMEDIA

An asylum claimant living at the Dev Hotel and Conference Centre in Cornwall, who wished to remain anonymous, said Monday that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) had given them a 60-day extension to stay at the temporary accommodation site.

The resident had their bags packed on Monday morning before learning of the decision, which could apply to any Dev residents who are currently employed in the Cornwall area. Based on information provided by some local service agencies, there more thanr 200 people living at the Dev who have jobs in the area.

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Originally from Uganda, the resident arrived in Cornwall this May and was mindful of the temporary nature of accommodations at the hotel. Earlier this month, the IRCC said the residents of the Dev would need to find alternative living accommodations by July 31 or be transferred to another processing centre in the province.

“Initially there was a situation where they were taking us to Windsor or Niagara. But fortunately, I had an appointment with IRCC (Monday) morning… they offered us a solution, for people who have jobs and are working. They told us they are going to facilitate us with a hotel for the next 60 days to help us in the due course as we look for our next places to rent,” said the resident. “I am very happy.

“I love my job. My boss is very nice, very supportive, and I love my workmates too — they’re also very special people, they make my work so enjoyable. And the clients too,” they said.

“I’m hoping to stay in Cornwall because I love Cornwall. It’s a nice, friendly community; it’s calm and quiet. It’s a very welcoming place. I have met people here and fortunately everyone has been kind to me. So I look forward to staying in this place.”

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The resident, who works in Cornwall and has made other local connections, said further information about the accommodation extension has not yet been disclosed.

In a statement sent Monday afternoon, IRCC did not speak to any 60-day extensions or where residents could be accommodated in Cornwall, but did state any developments regarding agreements with the Dev Centre specifically would be communicated to the public.

“We are committed to working with the City of Cornwall to ensure that no claimant is left homeless as part of this process. IRCC has been and will continue to be available to support during this transition period and we will ensure that no additional strain will be placed on the surrounding shelter systems. The department is currently assessing capacity in other IRCC-run hotel sites in Ontario, as a contingency, to accommodate claimants who may be unable to find permanent housing by July 31,” the statement read.

IRCC noted that to relocate a resident, they must first receive their full consent, and that officers are on site to explain this to claimants before relocation occurs.

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“For the people who don’t have jobs in Cornwall, most probably are going to go to Windsor or Niagara,” the anonymous resident said.

Last week, another resident who has a job in Cornwall said he had been able to find an apartment to move into on Aug. 1.

“Cornwall is a good place — it’s been my only home here so far (in Canada),” said George, who wished to be identified only by his first name.

George said he’s found employment in Cornwall, and while it’s not his dream job, everything has been working out.

“It’s a decent job,” he said. “I feel lucky. I love it here, I want to stay in Cornwall. It’s a safe place, it’s a good place.”

George spoke of the violence he left behind late in 2023, the crime in Uganda that can come in the form of armed robbery, home invasion, sexual assault and even kidnapping. But he knew going back to last year that the Dev would only be a temporary answer.

United Way Centraide SDG campaign and communications co-ordinator Stephanie Lapointe confirmed Friday that Sen. Bernadette Clement met with IRCC Minister Marc Miller’s director of policy Julia Carbone last week to discuss the letter co-signed by 15 people and organizations that requested a 60-day extension. Lapointe relayed that during the meeting there was discussion around flexibility for individuals with community ties/local employment.

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