The Ministry of Housing is suspending a proposed supportive housing project in Richmond.
A six-storey building was to be constructed on city-owned land at the corner of Sexsmith and Cambie Roads with 90 studio apartments for people experiencing homelessness and the ongoing housing crisis in B.C.
A rally, which included participation from B.C. Conservatives, was held in opposition to the project. Some posters on social media called it a "drug den."
B.C. Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon announced on Aug. 30 they will be suspending the project for now.
"We remain open to exploring this or other sites as potential locations, but we need to take a step back, hear from the community and re-assess our options," said Kahlon in a media statement to the Richmond News.
“Addressing the housing crisis and finding solutions for people experiencing homelessness are a priority for our government. However, solutions that help break the cycle of homelessness are complicated and must be done in partnership with the communities and municipalities that make up our great province."
He highlighted they are "not hitting pause" on the ministry's commitment to address homelessness in Richmond.
"We have extended the lease for the other sites to 2027, which gives us time to look at other options for site.
"We know that supportive homes move people indoors and are better for the community overall, minimizing greater community disruption through encampments. This step back gives us an opportunity to explore all options and return to the community with a plan to get their input on."
The province sent out a press release about the project suspension; however, when asked by the News about it, Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie hadn't been apprised of the announcement.
Brodie said city council will have to sit with the Ministry of Housing to discuss further actions after this announcement was made.
"We need support from the provincial government because they are to pay the operating capital costs," said Brodie.
"But we also need to know the long run situation and how they see it and what their objectives are and where the city fits into that."
He added city council would want to know the implications following the ministry's announcements and what other options there are to help with the homeless situation in Richmond.
"The province talks about wanting to address homelessness and how it's a priority and to find solutions for the people of Richmond, and we as a council, want to do the same thing."
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