Lesley Nagoda, Services and Housing in the Province (SHIP) indicated that she had nothing to add to the presentation but would be available to answer questions from the public.
The Chair asked if there were any questions from Council.
Councillor Post questioned the lack of a safe pedestrian walkway and asked if that is something that could be included.
Brandon Ward, Manager of Planning indicated that infrastructure of that magnitude may not be something that is included in a proposal such as this.
Councillor Andrews asked if there will be a phase in period during construction and what would happen to residents during the construction phase.
Juliane von Westerholt indicated that the program currently being housed at the location is a short term program and as people complete the program they are moving out and this will allow phase in for construction.
Councillor Sherwood asked if these are temporary stays or some form of rent to own.
Lesley Nagoda indicated it is permanent, supportive rental housing for as long as the tenant requires it.
Councillor Post asked if the upgraded transit system will reach that area.
Doug Jones indicated that they are still finalizing the route but does not anticipate it would run that far north.
Keith Ward, SHIP advised that it will be affordable housing even in the circumstance where the property ends up going to market rent.
The Chair asked if there were any questions from the public.
A resident on Starview indicated her support of the initiative and indicated her understanding of the need for subsidized housing but expressed some security concerns for the current occupants of the space which include intoxication, and wondered what the staffing would be at the proposed units.
Keith Ward indicated that there will be several staff in the building providing supports on an on-going basis.
Chris Horsten asked how this facility differs from Family Transition Place and why does this facility not have around the clock security.
Lesley Nagoda indicated that this space would be permanent housing and Family Transition Place is temporary family housing.
Keith Ward indicated that these are not domestic violence situations but any issues identified from a security standpoint will be dealt with.
Brandon Ward, Manager of Planning, advised that Family Transition Place is a crisis care facility whereas this proposal is a residential venture.
Julie Ferguson indicated concerns relating to the lack of lighting and asked if these proposed units are specifically geared to women.
Lesley Nagoda indicated that the lighting in the area will be updated and that the initial letter sent to area residents did identify the unit in conjunction with female residents.
Julie Ferguson asked if a resident has a safety concern who should they call.
Lesley Nagoda indicated that if there are personal safety issues a resident should contact the police.
Keith Ward indicated the units are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act and they abide by the guidelines of the Act.
Julie Ferguson asked what supports are in place for the residents.
Keith Ward indicated that the staff offer multiple supports to the residents.
Lesley Nagoda indicated that there would be extensive supports ie mental health and addiction supports available.
Julie Ferguson asked if the units are co-ed.
Lesley Nagoda indicated that the units are co-ed.
Keith Ward indicated that there are only 2 two-bedroom units for families and the rest are studio units.
The Chair asked if there were any additional questions from the public and there were none.