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There is widespread agreement that Kelowna needs housing for homeless people. But since BC Housing proposed putting a supportive housing project on Agassiz Road in Kelowna, there's been a lot of pushback and protest. Among the proposal's most vocal opponents is Richard Taylor, the president of the Strata Council for neighbouring Invue Apartments. Taylor met with us at the proposed site, a block away from Invue.
Gaelene Askeland is the executive director of the local John Howard Society, which will operate the facility if it's built.
"They certainly feel unsafe," said Richard Taylor. Referring to the seniors in his building and neighbouring apartment buildings. "Their fears come from the type of resident that the John Howard Society that would be the operator of the facility tend to serve."
"I don't know where that comes from," said Gaelene Askeland in reference to safety fears. She says residents will be selected for success. "They're not walking around looking for trouble. Because their housing depends on being good neighbours."
As for the general tone of the criticism, she's disappointed.
"You know it just makes me sad more than anything else."
There will be plenty of opportunity for public input on the 52 unit building. The property still needs to go through the re-zoning process before construction could begin. If approved, BC Housing is hoping to have people moving in as early as the fall of next year.
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