A community group, born out its support for the controversial modular housing project for the homeless, has postponed a rally at Richmond City Hall.
Richmond United for Supportive Housing (RUSH) had planned a public show of support Monday evening for the project on Elmbridge and Alderbridge ways.
However, RUSH has been told by the City of Richmond that the project – which is being vehemently opposed by a large group of local residents – will be on an agenda for discussion in the near future.
RUSH spokesperson De Whalen said the group will rearrange the rally for that date and delegate at the meeting, as well.
Whalen also told of RUSH’s disappoint after Wednesday’s “Dialogue Richmond” roundtable discussion, which was marred by some of the opposing residents shouting and interrupting the event.
RUSH, according to Whalen, went to the meeting “with the purpose of listening and learning from experts in the field and hearing what people opposing the 7300 Elmbridge Way proposal had to say.
“It was a successful event in that many in the audience learned a great deal about how residents are selected, the blend of different service needs, staff complement and makeup and the interrelations between Raincity Housing, the RCMP, the Health Authority and local service providers like Chimo Community Services.
“However some people clearly did not come to listen and kept asking the same questions over and over. Near the end it was shocking to see part of the audience suddenly turn into a shouting mob.
“The R.U.S.H. group commends Henry Yao and Dialogue Richmond for how this outburst was handled. “
Whalen added that, despite the disturbance, many questions were answered, including how the residents for the project will be chosen and how it will be staffed.
“Overall, R.U.S.H. was satisfied with the responses given by the panellists,” added Whalen in a press release.
“However, the four neighbourhood representatives did not prepare an argument, counter proposal or recommendations that could be discussed and debated.
“In that regard, the evening was one-sided and the R.U.S.H. key message was reinforced: ‘7300 Elmbridge is the right place! This is the right time! We need supportive housing right now!’
“As many wise people have said before, a society will be judged on how it treats the most vulnerable in its midst.
“We believe that the majority of people of Richmond are compassionate and generous people who understand that to whom much is given, much is expected.”
