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The contentious supportive housing project on McCurdy Road will not allow its residents to consume illegal drugs.
In June, opposition to the 49-unit supportive housing complex quickly grew following its approval largely due to the facility permitting drug and alcohol consumption onsite.
On Wednesday, city council took the unusual step of holding a mid-week meeting to announce changes to the facility's controversial operating model.
“Applicants selected will make a commitment to ongoing recovery and will need to commit to not using illegal drugs,” said Mayor Colin Basran to City Hall.
Basran continued on to say no overdose prevention site will be located within the development, a nurse will be present seven days a week and additional staff and security will be on-site for the first six months to aid in a smooth transition into the community.
Following Basran, each councilor addressed the crowded council chambers and the 1,300 people watching online.
“This process frustrated me,” commented Brad Sieben.
“Council dealt with land use in 2017 and that was the public’s chance to comment, but as things unfolded and the applicant wasn’t successful, BC Housing came in with a new project and changing the operating model wasn’t fair for the community.”
"The original application by Freedom's Door was for a dry facility," said Luke Stack.
“To have it now go back to where it originally started makes me more confident in our decision. When it morphed into a wet facility that became too much.”
Councillor Gail Given said she could appreciate the public’s opposition to the second stage facility and that it felt like a “bait and switch” situation.
However, Given stressed the need for first stage or “wet” facilities, adding “you can’t have second stage facilities without first stage housing.”
Charlie Hodge continued to question the size of the project compared to the amount of security and nurses that will be provided.
Hodge did forward a motion to reconsider the project, which was met with applause from the crowd, but was the only councillor to vote in support of the motion.
“I believe in these projects and I want to see them work,” said Hodge.
“I’ve worked with the homeless and at-risk kids my whole life. But this project is too big, too many units, not enough staff, and not the right location.”
Despite the decision, it remains unclear whether or not residents can drink alcohol onsite.
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