Oshawa museum fined by city for group of unhoused people trespassing on the property
The Canadian Automotive Museum has been fined by the City of Oshawa for not dealing with a group of unhoused people accused of trespassing and loitering on their property, but officials with the museum tell CityNews they don’t have the means to handle the situation. “The biggest challenge for us is ensuring that our visitors […]
The Canadian Automotive Museum in Oshawa has been fined by the city for allegedly failing to address issues of unhoused individuals trespassing and loitering on its premises. Museum officials, however, claim they lack the resources to manage the situation, stating their primary concern is visitor comfort and safety, and the preservation of their extensive collection of Canadian cars.
The museum, a charitable organization, has been receiving calls for police assistance nearly every day in recent weeks. Over the past few weeks, the city has imposed over $1,800 in fines on the museum for various violations, mostly in their parking lot, including trespassing, littering, loitering, and open drug use. Museum CEO Alex Miller Gerrard argues that fining the museum does not address the root causes of the problems.
Councillor Rick Kerr supports the museum's position, suggesting they seek private security and appealing the fines, as he expects the issue to be resolved within a few months. The museum, which recently had its front window shattered, acknowledges they have implemented security measures but cannot afford 24-hour private security or fencing.
They urge the city to collaborate with businesses in finding a solution to the homelessness crisis in downtown Oshawa.
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