Residents near upcoming supportive housing project in Kelowna voicing concerns about safety
Global News
Some residents fear the development will turn into a wet facility, which allows the use of drugs and alcohol.
Some residents of a North Kelowna, B.C., neighbourhood say they’re concerned about a transitional housing project planned for their area.
Mayor Tom Dyas and Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon announced Monday that 60 units of supportive housing are coming to Appaloosa Road in Kelowna.
The development is for the city’s unhoused population, which will be a low-barrier, harm reduction model of care.
Some residents fear this development will turn into a wet facility, which allows the use of drugs and alcohol. The city, however, did not confirm how or if the units will be supervised.
“I think our biggest concern right now is that this is going to be a wet facility, with active drug use in our neighbourhood, so an increase in crime from that,” said Sol Tera Ranch resident Kelsey McCallen.
The neighbourhood found out about the project when the rest of the public did, leaving residents frustrated with the lack of initial consultation.
“They come along and throw this saying it’s finalized without us having a say, they didn’t notify us that they were bringing that in and I think we had a right to know,” said Sol Tera Ranch resident Michael Johnson.
However, the issue isn’t supportive housing itself — nearby residents believe it doesn’t belong in residential areas.
