Opponents of a 90-unit supportive building in Richmond are planning a rally and are collecting signatures on a petition against the proposal.
Sheldon Starrett, who has run for city council in the past and is involved with the Conservative Party of BC, is organizing a rally to oppose the building proposed at Cambie and Sexsmith roads.
A change.org petition, which has garnered 3,000 signatures in opposition to the building, claims that the building will become “one of the largest ‘harm-reduction’ sites in the province.”
But city spokesperson Clay Adams countered this claim, noting the building won’t be “a substance-use recovery or treatment centre, nor is it a harm reduction site.”
“There is considerable misinformation circulating by some who claim this would be a drug addiction site,” said Adams. “That is absolutely incorrect and such statements are deliberately misleading.”
Supports at the building include daily meals, referrals to health care, mental health and substance use services, life skills training and education and employment, the city noted.
According to the information at change.org, the petition was put out by Kevin Lai, Starrett, strata councils for Avanti and Fiorella and “concerned families in Richmond.”
“Disgusting” was the reaction from Richmond city Coun. Kash Heed at the opposition to the proposed BC Housing supportive building. He questioned why there would be opposition to a building that would support vulnerable people such as people with disabilities.
In an explainer on the project, the city said Richmond “urgently needs more supportive homes.”
“Like in all communities, homelessness is increasing in Richmond and affordable housing remains a challenge,” the city’s statement notes.
Furthermore, supportive housing needs to be close to services and transit.
“These things are essential for people who are transitioning out of homelessness and working towards a healthy, stable life,” the city stated.
Community Builders will operate the building and its staff will be onsite 24/7, the city also explained.
“They would care for residents, look after the building and property, and be fully available to the community should any concerns arise. All residents must sign program agreements and pay rent,” Adams said.
In the change.org petition, the petitioners claim Richmond doesn’t have “as severe a homelessness problem as other surrounding cities” but this building “may attract homeless individuals from other areas, exacerbating rather than solving the problem.”
“We believe in helping those in need, but the current lack of guidelines, laws, enforcement, accountability, and transparency makes it difficult for us to support the proposed supportive housing project,” reads the petition.
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