Photo: Contributed
Some residents of the Cougar and Elk streets of the West Bank First Nation land are concerned about a supportive housing project that has been proposed for the neighborhood.
If the Chief and Council approve, approximately 52 permanent, purpose-built houses with supports would be built at 3235 Cougar Road.
The project, a collaboration between BC Housing and Turning Points Collaborative Society, would meet the critical housing needs for people who do not have a home, according to the provincial authority.
The project was due to be discussed in early autumn but was suspended due to the provincial elections.
Now that the elections are official, plans are moving forward, including a virtual briefing session on Wednesday evening.
A number of residents who oppose the project are expected to voice their concerns.
A letter distributed to residents in September expressed “extreme concern” about “the problems and traffic associated with drugs, homelessness and this type of facility”.
These included public safety, crime, drug use, and falling property values.
The houses would house people who were homeless for a variety of reasons, some of whom were temporarily housed in the Super 8 Motel.
“72 people were homeless at Westside Point-In-Time 2018. COVID-19 emphasized the critical need to get people indoors,” BC Housing explained on its website.
“TPCS is an experienced not-for-profit that provides housing and support services to the homeless in the area. They would operate the building and provide support such as meal programs, life and employment skills training, and health and wellness support services to residents.
“The staff are on site around the clock and work with each resident to understand their needs and goals and to provide the support they need for a stable living situation.”
Prospective tenants would be screened prior to admission, required to pay rent, and a Good Neighbor Program and Agreement signed.
WFN has not yet issued permits for rededication, land use, or development.
These requests will be brought to the Council on December 4th after the consultation phase has ended.
If approved, it would be the first permanent residential support complex on the west side.
