The temporary modular housing (TMH) on 7300 Elmbridge Way was no doubt one of the most contentious issues in Richmond in 2018.
Last Februray, the City of Richmond announced plans to contribute the city-owned land at 7300 Elmbridge Way for a BC Housing-proposed temporary modular housing project.
The $5.9 million project will provide 40 units and support homeless people in Richmond.
The project received an “overwhelming response,” according to the city, with 600 showing up at an open house to ask questions and fill out questionnaires.
Residents in the area questioned the city’s choice to build the housing in a high-density residential area and raised concerns about neighbourhood safety.
A petition against the project, organized via WeChat with more than 800 members, gathered 1,000-plus signatures.
Meanwhile, more than 300 people signed identical letters addressed to each member on the city council. The 2,858 letters were presented to city hall.
In March, an anti-TMH group, The 7300 Concern Group was formed by residents in the area, who held a forum named “Charity & Safety” at the Vancouver Sheraton Airport Hotel. Attendees were required to pay a $20 venue fee.
Later, a group called the Richmond United for Supportive Housing (RUSH) was formed to support the TMH project, underscoring “their belief that they want Richmond to be a welcoming and compassionate community.” It was led by De Whalen, chair of the Richmond Poverty Response Committee.
In April, a flyer opposing the proposed TMH project was circulating near city hall.
In the same month, activist Henry Yao organized a roundtable aimed at providing a communication platform for supporters and opponents and attracted about 150 people, including Coun. Carol Day and Chak Au.
During the event, representatives from BC Housing, RainCity and local non-profit organizations answered questions asked by opposition groups such as the 7300 Concern Group and other strata councils in the Brighouse area.
However, the well-intended roundtable did not have a happy ending as it was interrupted by some angry audience members who opposed the project and shouted, “the roundtable is very very unfair, ” as they felt their voice and questions had been ignored.
A week later, about 300 people gathered at city hall to protest the project the Monday night before a city council meeting.
At a special council meeting on May 19th, after 10 hours, two meetings, and the opinions of approximately 80 people, Richmond city council approved the TMH project.
All councillors except Coun. Chak Au voted for the project. Many councillors expressed compassion for people experiencing homelessness and argued that providing homes for the most vulnerable shows compassion, which is important for the health of the community.
Au, however, said he was disappointed there was no opportunity to discuss alternative options.
In early December, the city announced that construction of the TMH will begin in February of next year, with landscaping to be completed in March. The site and an adjacent long-term off-leash dog park is expected to be completed by March or April.
“The decision to construct the temporary modular housing is a democratic decision passed by council and we understand and respect the result… We hope council and city staff will keep their promise to ensure safety in this neighbourhood,” said a spokesperson of The 7300 Concern Group.
