Petition in Kelowna requesting ‘wet’ support facility change to a ‘dry’ building
Global News
Located near Orchard Plaza, Stephen Village is a wet facility, where occupants can use alcohol or drugs in their residences, unlike a dry facility.
A supportive housing unit that sparked controversy when it opened four years ago in a Kelowna neighbourhood is still proving to be contentious.
Located behind Orchard Plaza Shopping Centre, Stephen Village has 57 beds for people who are at risk or experiencing homelessness.
However, people in the neighbourhood say criminal activity has risen since the building’s opening in 2020, and that they feel unsafe.
So much so that a petition has been started, requesting that Stephen Village transition from a ‘wet’ facility to a ‘dry’ one.
A wet facility is where occupants can use alcohol or drugs in their residences, unlike a dry facility.
“A lot of fighting, drug dealers coming to our neighbourhood,” said concerned resident Lee Macdonald. “We get woken up almost every single night.”
Area resident Susan Greenwood added, “Some of them get very agitated or angry, and it’s a bit scary for old people.”
Another resident, Tyler Zeeman, told Global News that he’s witnessed drug deals, knife fights and people getting chased.