EDMONTON – News of an apartment complex that would offer subsidized rent to Edmonton’s recently homeless is not sitting well with some residents of the affluent Terwillegar Towne neighbourhood, for which it is planned.
Hundreds of people have joined the group Terwillegar Speaks on Facebook, where they’ve been venting their concerns about the project.
City Councillor Bryan Anderson, whose Ward 9 includes Terwillegar, is among those who has expressed his doubts.
“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 wile away our time,” he added.
But according to the developer of the project – Murray Soroka, with Jasper Place Health and Wellness – the building will not just be a place for formerly homeless men. In addition to bachelor and one-bedroom suites, there will also be two-bedroom suites. And the accommodations will be open to women, single mothers, as well as families wanting to start over.
“People in this building will be wanting to go to work, go back to school, getting a second chance at life,” he explains, adding that those who do end up in the building will have to apply and undergo a thorough screening process.
In response to those who have expressed concern that the proposed location – at 156 Street and 14 Avenue – would not be convenient for residents without cars, Soroka says that a shuttle service will be provided for those who require it. He also points out that other amenities, like a shopping complex, is just a half-hour bus ride away.
“A lot of people who will be living in this building will be getting jobs and serving people in that community at the Canadian Tire, at the Walmart, and being involved in the neighbourhood.”
Support workers will be on-hand 24 hours a day.
The $12 million project, 70 per cent of which is being funded by the Alberta government, would be built on land leased from the Holy Trinity Anglican Church – something which its Reverend is excited about.
“Folks who have had struggles with addictions, and continue to struggle with addictions and mental health issues – that’s a reality for everybody, regardless of their economic status,” says Reverend Nick Trussell. “And to be able to be part of people who are turning their lives around, who are choosing to get the help that they need and to be able to be a part of the support network that they need to make those changes, that’s an incredible opportunity for us.”
Community consultation is set up for August 22 at 7 p.m., however a location has yet to be determined.
“I would hope that families in the area would take the time to learn about the project and engage in the discussion,” says Minister of Human Services Dave Hancock. “We’re always concerned as parents that we have a safe community for kids…but we can’t build those concerns around stereotypes, around misinformation, around lack of knowledge about what’s really happening.”
Once the consultation is complete, all that remains is for Jasper Place Health and Wellness to obtain a development permit.
“And if they comply with the regulations of the zoning, that development permit will be passed,” explained Ward 9 City Councillor Bryan Anderson on Saturday.
If that happens, according to Murray Soroka of Jasper Place Health and Wellness, construction on the project could begin at the site by early 2014.
For more information and answers to some other common concerns that have been expressed, you can visit the Jasper Place Health and Wellness Facebook page.
With files from Jenna Bridges, Global News
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