On Monday, August 26th, Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon announced a supportive housing facility would be built in North Glenmore for people experiencing homelessness at 3199 Appaloosa Road.

This announcement came before any notification or engagement of the local community members. Understandably, neighbours were shocked, scared and frustrated. It is our understanding that the city paid $3.65 million for the land, and plans to lease it to B.C. Housing for $1 per year. In the past week, we have tried to get answers regarding this development from the Province, the Mayor and B.C. Housing. Our inquiries have remained largely ignored.

North Glenmore is home to a diverse and vulnerable population, including young families, international students, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. This location is less than 100 meters from residential homes and under 3 km from an elementary school, a middle school, a private school and a University. These groups rely on the security and stability of our communities. The two other locations of the supportive housing (STEP Place and Trailside) in the city are in industrial areas, with a good amount of distance to the closest neighbourhoods.

Before any more plans move forward, we believe we should have the opportunity to have our concerns and questions answered, along with a plan to keep the community engaged.

If you believe that we, as taxpayers, should have input into the type of supportive housing that goes into our communities and that public consultation on supportive housing should be mandatory, please help us by signing our petition in support and solidarity.