Image Credit: BC Housing

By Adam Berls

community concerns

Concerns raised for BC Housing project in College Heights

Aug 26, 2024 | 4:12 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — A project that would see 10 supportive homes with complex care housing services in College Heights, is not sitting well with some, arguing that there could be a better location for a facility that provides complex care services.

Area resident Lorne Clarke says that the location, which is at 3177 McGill Crescent, located between McGill Park and a strip mall, would be far away from supportive services, like police and ambulances.

Image Credit: BC Housing

In an online petition started by Clarke, the petition description says:

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“While the intent of the project to ‘serve people with overlapping mental-health and addiction issues or other complex health challenges’ is indeed warranted for this city, building it in the middle of a neighbourhood with many small children and next to a park, is clearly not a good choice. The huge potential for increased crime and human conflict is also too great and therefore must not happen.”

Clarke acknowledges that while this type of project is needed, he says that “it’s not something that needs to come here into a community where people are now becoming worried about the safety of their children and their homes.” Clarke also says that residents have not had good communication with BC Housing, noting that the letter sent out by BC Housing was “sugarcoated.”

In a statement to CKPG News, the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, says that “on August 7, 2024, BC Housing sent out a letter to all interested parties and neighbours of the site, offering to host dialogue sessions to answer any questions or concerns.” Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to BC Housing: communityrelations@bchousing.org The statement also notes that the project “will help fill a critical service gap in Prince George, supporting people for whom substance use is not a primary concern but who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and need a safe space with support.”

BC Housing says that the the units built “will be for people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and need support services to maintain their housing. Residents will be single adults (19+) of all genders, including seniors and people with disabilities.”

The building “will also include spaces for people with developmental disabilities who are eligible for Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) services, enabling them to live independently in their own homes while receiving the necessary support.” According to BC Housing, they hope to complete tree removal on the property by Fall 2024.

Councillor Cori Ramsay says that the piece of land is already zoned RM3. The purpose of this zone is to provide for multiple housing with a maximum density of 60 dwellings per hectare. As the property is already zoned RM3, there does not have to be a public hearing at city council.

Councillor Ramsay says until more is known about the project, residents should bear in mind the need for complex care in the community.

“Until we know more, perhaps we just need to reserve judgement a little bit. Still be cautious, provide feedback, but be open minded knowing that there’s a great need for complex care in our community and other across the province.” – Councillor Cori Ramsay

A community meeting is going to be held on Tuesday, August 27th @ 7pm at Columbus Community Hall on St. Lawrence Ave to discuss the project.

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X: @AdamBerls

Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com