Community Builders, a non-profit, has been chosen to manage a housing complex close to the Bridgeport Canada Line Station for 40 people who are homelessness – or at risk of becoming homeless.
The temporary modular building is expected to be built this year and will have two full-time staff on-site at all times as well as other health and mental-health workers.
The building’s construction and operations will be funded by BC Housing.
A temporary use permit will be in front of council next week to use a lot currently zoned commercial at Smith Street and Bridgeport Road for the temporary modular housing building.
Surrounding the proposed building are warehouses and other light industrial businesses.
In the report to council, city staff point out statistics show temporary modular housing buildings don’t have an impact on community safety.
When the temporary modular housing building on Alderbridge was being planned, there was vociferous opposition from the community, but, in the end, police said crime didn’t increase in that area after it opened two years ago.
The permit for the Bridgeport building, if approved, would be for three years with an option to renew for another three.
A public consultation process with surrounding businesses took place this fall and a public hearing on the permit will be held on March 15 at Richmond City Hall.
