Proposed homeless housing development concerns some Terwillegar residents

EDMONTON- Some residents in southwest Edmonton are concerned over a homeless housing development proposed for their neighbourhood.

Jasper Place Health and Wellness, led by businessman Murray Soroka, plans to build a 60-unit supportive housing project on land leased from the Anglican Church, located west of 156th Street and north of 14th Avenue. The organization says the project embraces the principles of housing first, which is designed to provide homeless people with housing quickly, to transition them out of the shelter system.

News of the development comes as a shock to many Terwillegar Towne residents.

“I wish I actually would have heard about it,” said Terry Hunt, who moved to Terwillegar Towne because of the number of young families in the area. “I’m very, very concerned now, with my wife and my daughter… is it safe for my daughter to play outside?”

The development has been in the works since 2010, zoning is in place and the province has approved grants for the project.

“The only thing they have left to do is apply for a development permit, and if they comply with the regulations of the zoning, that development permit will be passed,” said Ward 9 City Councillor Bryan Anderson.

Anderson says he only learned of the project in May, and says the way it’s currently proposed will not work in the community.

“The plans were… as of the 4th of July, to build 40 single bedroom units and 20 bachelor units. Certainly no opportunity for families or single mothers with children,” Anderson said Saturday afternoon.

“I have concerns about 60 homeless men being plunked into a purely residential neighbourhood with very few amenities, very little shopping and other things that all of us use to while away our time.”

“I’m not against family housing if people have children. But if they don’t have children, the lifestyle is different,” Hunt added.

Representatives from Jasper Place Health and Wellness were not available for an interview Saturday. However, on the company’s website says it’s important for residents to understand that “this in not a transitional housing facility, nor is it a homeless shelter, rehab facility or mental institution.”

The company says tenants will be selected through an application process and will be low-risk, “which means that the tenant is not a threat to themselves or others, are able to live independently and have fewer barriers in adapting to new housing circumstances.”

And not everyone is against the development; three-year Terwillegar Towne resident Michael Cheung says while he was shocked to only learn about it now, he believes the housing project could work if community members embrace the situation.

“I think if it’s there to help people transition into the community, then it’s a good thing. And as Terwillegar Towne residents I think we can put in the effort to assist those people to integrate back into society.”

Anderson agrees that the development could work, but wants to see some adjustments made to the proposal. He says he’s been meeting with the developer to try to slow down the project and include more community consultation.

“I met with the mayor several times, he suggested perhaps 60 (units) was too many. Maybe it could be done in phases. Maybe the first phase could be 30 units of family then reassess and use the rest of the grant to build a second phase,” Anderson suggested. “I think that done right, this homeless first project can have its desired affect and be successful.”

Construction on the project could start as early as this fall. Jasper Place Health and Wellness says a public meeting will be held on August 22. At this time there is no location or time set for that meeting.

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With files from Jenna Bridges, Global News.