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

CORNWALL — An asylum claimant living at the Dev Hotel and Conference Centre, 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 currently employed in the Cornwall area. Based on information provided by local service agencies, more than 200 people living at the Dev have jobs in the area.

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

“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,” the resident said. “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 had not yet been disclosed.

In a statement 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 it must first receive full consent to relocate a resident and that officers would be on site to explain this to claimants before relocation occurred.

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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 with 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 had found employment in Cornwall, and, while it was not his dream job, everything had 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 could 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.

Stephanie Lapointe, United Way Centraide's campaign and communications co-ordinator for Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, 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.

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Lapointe relayed that there was discussion during the meeting around flexibility for individuals with community ties/local employment.

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