Prince George City Council has approved a temporary use permit for a transitional housing facility.
Council approved the permit after a lengthy debate before a full gallery at tonight’s (Monday) meeting.
The facility will provide 43 units of supportive, transitional housing located at 397 Third Avenue, close to the current Lower Patricia Encampment.
Mayor Simon Yu emphasized the facility is going to be temporary.
“I said three times today when I introduced this report, temporary, it’s temporary,” Yu said.
Also included as part of the agenda was a letter from Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon to City Council, which read:
“I would like to further acknowledge the City’s request for provincial information sharing regarding the intent to seek an application to the courts to close the Lower Patricia Encampment to overnight sheltering following offers of suitable alternative shelter and housing to the occupants. I understand that, following the closure of the Lower Patricia Encampment, it is the City’s intent to remediate and close the site to permanent sheltering.”Â
“If we had not done this work to create this temporary housing, our chances of being successful in court would be significantly less, perhaps zero,” said Councillor Brian Skakun.
“I will support this reluctantly, but I do think going forward, it’s an opportunity to have the end in sight for Moccasin Flats, and have those folks living there in some sort of dignified housing, with the proper sewer, water, shower facilities, and all the rest of that.”
Councillor Kyle Sampson gave support, but with conditions.
“My support is conditional on getting people into housing, one, and two, this will result in the permanent closure of the encampment, that is a must for my support,” Sampson said.
“I have no hesitation revoking a temporary use permit, and will happily bring that forward if we’re not met with support from the ministry in our injunction.”
It was noted by City Manager Walter Babicz that if there’s an increase in complaints related to zoning or business licencing, city administration would bring a report back to City Council highlighting them, and there is also a process under the procedures bylaw for notice of motion with a request to direct administration to bring council a report on the issue.
The facility is expected to open later this year.
Other items discussed tonight included a community safety town hall meeting and mechanical upgrades for the Aquatic Centre.
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