We, the undersigned parents, guardians, faculty and community of Victoria School of the Arts, oppose the development permit issued for Boyle Street Community Services at 10010 - 107A Avenue on the grounds that the proximity of its intended uses are incompatible with the safety and well-being of children. We call on Victoria School Council and the Edmonton Public School Board to file an appeal with the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) by no later than the appeal deadline of October 11th. 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The safety of children at Victoria School of the Arts is at risk as Edmonton’s largest day shelter plans to move to within one block of the school.

Boyle Street Community Services (BSCS) operates Edmonton’s largest drop-in for individuals experiencing houselessness. In 2021, the shelter served 7,036 individuals. The shelter plans to relocate to within one block of Victoria School of the Arts - a school with an enrolment of 1,860 Kindergarten to Grade 12 students.

BSCS is recognized as a low-barrier drop-in, and describes itself as often being “a last resort for those banned or turned away from other service providers.” According to their own publicity, BSCS serves individuals with “significant, untreated mental illness”, “serious substance use”, “complex needs” and “behaviour issues.” Boyle Street Community Services Website

There is very little that a shelter operator can do to ensure the safety of community members in the surrounding area, and they cannot be held legally responsible for any harm caused by those they serve.

While low-barrier shelters provide valuable services to vulnerable individuals experiencing houselessness, they should not be located within one block of a school. Children are also vulnerable members of society. The presence of BSCS across the street from Victoria School dramatically increases our childrens’ vulnerability and puts their safety at risk.

FOR FURTHER REFERENCE:

Press Release (sent to media and municipal and provincial government representatives by a group of concerned McCauley parents and community stakeholders in July 2022) 

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