Supporters of contentious housing project in Terwillegar Towne speak out

EDMONTON – There has been no shortage of opposition to a supportive housing complex planned for south Edmonton’s affluent Terwillegar Towne. Now, two residents have come forward to Global News, saying those voices don’t speak for the whole community.

The women asked that their identities be kept hidden, for fear that their opinions might make them a target.

“There have been some threats made on social media. So now, yeah, I would be worried that my house would get egged if people knew who I was,” one of them explains, using recent vandalism at the church leasing its land for the controversial development as an example of what some residents are capable of.

“There are a few loud people that are very vocal on the Facebook pages that have embarrassed quite a few of us, and that does not represent who the people of Terwillegar are,” she adds. “I want the City of Edmonton to know we are compassionate people.”

The other woman admits that she initially got caught up in the “fearmongering” that was happening about the project, which will provide housing to individuals – including men, women, and single mothers – who need a second chance.

“After taking some time to think about it, and get educated,” she says, “I turned a page and looked at it a different way…At the end of the day, they’re people. And they deserve what everybody else deserves in life, which is a roof over their head.”

She believes there are many others who feel the way she does, but are afraid to voice their opinions because of the very vocal opponents.

“It’s turned into a very ugly community based on people’s opinions on this matter.”

Still, she feels that Terwillegar Towne is a family-friendly neighbourhood, and will continue to be, even with the supportive housing development which so many others seem to fear.

“You know, we don’t live in a bubble. We live in Edmonton, and it’s a city. And as part of that city, we need to be accepting of people from all walks to life,” she says.

Her friend says she isn’t worried about the kinds of residents that the building may house, as she believes they will be properly screened. She also doesn’t believe that supportive housing should just be concentrated to just one area of the city.

“That’s how ghettos are formed. And yes, I think they should be spread out throughout the city. And I think we need to be open-minded and realize, that’s the way it’s going to be.”

There are two upcoming meetings residents can attend to have their questions about the project answered. The meetings are scheduled to be held at the Holy Trinity Church: August 8 and 15 (from 5 to 8 p.m.). A community information session is also scheduled for August 22 (at 7 p.m.).

With files from Vinesh Pratap, Global News
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