Edmonton – A church in southwest Edmonton at the centre of a controversy has been vandalized.
The words “No Homeless” were spray painted on two of the church walls. Edmonton police the incident happened on either Tuesday or Wednesday.
A plan is in place to build a 60-unit supportive housing project on land leased from the Holy Trinity Anglican Church which is located on 156th Street and north of 14th Avenue in the community of Terwillegar Towne.
News of the development has come as a shock to many Terwillegar Towne residents.
The church’s reverend admits he was angry when he found out about the vandalism, but his mood has changed, thanks to some community residents.
“I was surprised by love and I was surprised by joy yesterday, when some community members, both folks who have concerns and folks who are for the proposed apartment building, came with scrub brushes and buckets to help clean up the church,” says Reverend Nick Trussell.
However, the vandalism has not been washed off, in part, to allow police to investigate the incident.
The church is actually considering leaving some of the vandalism and creating it into a mural.
“The message is a wonderful one to hear. ‘No Homeless’ is exactly what we’re aiming for in Edmonton. That’s what the ten-year plan is all about, to end homelessness, and wouldn’t it be awesome to see that message turned into one of welcome,” says Trussell.
Edmonton Police Service detectives are investigating the vandalism.
The homeless housing development is a concept created by Jasper Place Health and Wellness, led by businessman Murray Soroka.
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.
The development has been in the works since 2010, zoning is in place and the province has approved grants for the project.
According to Ward 9 City Councillor Bryan Anderson, “the only thing left to do is apply for a development permit.”
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