Following a Public Hearing this evening, City Council passed second and third reading of a Land Use Bylaw Amendment that may enable the temporary shelter to continue operating in its current location at Cannery Row (5239 53 Avenue) until May 1, 2025, as a site exception with Council as the development authority.
Consideration of the amendment came after Safe Harbour Society, the organization that operates the shelter, applied to The City to extend the zoning. City Council will consider the Development Permit for the shelter on December 18.
“Decisions around shelter in our community are always complex and challenging,” said Mayor Ken Johnston. “The temporary shelter plays an integral role in meeting the immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness in our community while we continue our efforts on the development of a future purpose-built integrated shelter.”
As part of the Public Hearing process, property owners in Direct Control (DC) 28, and adjacent landowners, were contacted by letter and given the opportunity to provide feedback for Council’s consideration. Members of the public were also invited to provide feedback.
“Hearing from those affected by this decision is an important part of our decision-making process, and all of us were affected by what we heard,” said Mayor Johnston. “We know that the community isn’t necessarily aligned when it comes to decisions around the shelter and homelessness, but through our Strategic Plan, my Council colleagues and I are committed to community health and well-being, which includes collaborative response to social challenges that considers all.”
For more information about the temporary and future shelter, please visit reddeer.ca/shelter.