Carmichael Outreach is applying to rezone a building on the 1500 block of 12th Avenue. The organization hopes to move their operation to that property next year but nearby residents have some concerns.
Daniel Roberts lives across the street with his three young children. He has some worries about more homeless people being attracted to the area. However, his biggest concern is with Carmichael’s needle exchange program.
“I would hate to be taking my kids across the street and all of a sudden there’s a needle on the ground,” he said.
Roberts has lived in his St. John Street home for about a year. He’s been talking with his neighbours and said needles used to be a big concern in the neighbourhood.
“Ten years ago, there would be some stuff down in the alleys, but now everything’s really good,” he said.
The City of Regina hosted an open house on the application Tuesday night.
Ward 3 Councillor Andrew Stevens brought forth information from a Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region study. The study says needle exchange programs can reduce the number of needles being left on the ground.
“We need to look at the evidence and there is real concern over what this will mean,” Stevens said.
“The needle exchange issue is something people should be talking about but the health evidence suggests it won’t be the catastrophe some have projected.”
Stevens organized a meeting with nearby residents and Carmichael last Friday. Tyler Gray with Carmichael said that they’re open to any discussions and want to be as open as possible with their potential neighbours.
“We’re going to keep working to make sure our conversations are as informed as they can be. The evidence that needs to be brought forward on those programs, good or bad, can be brought forward and we can have those conversations,” Gray said.
Carmichael recently paid-off the mortgage on their current property, just blocks away. However, Gray said the building is reaching the end of its lifespan and needs tens of thousands of dollars worth of renovations.
Plus, they also need more space in general to better run their programs.
“We’re serving 60,000 meals off a six burner gas stove and a hot plate. We’re trying to accommodate 12 staff to do things like our housing support program and we only have office space for six people,” he explained.
The city is taking public comments on the application until December 14. After that, the rezoning application is expected to go to the planning committee in February, and then to city council for a decision in March.