In Kelowna, British Columbia, residents living in the Capri Landmark area, particularly on or near Pacific Avenue, are expressing concerns about new development planned for the area.
“It's a serious concern,” said Tony Lonergan, who lives in the area.
City Kovuliin partnership with BC Housing, plans to build a 40-unit supportive and residential building. comprehensive care facility on Pacific Avenue near Capri Mall.
Because the area already has a number of social support services, residents say the addition of another would add to the area's problems.
“Homeless people are walking down these streets. They're damaging buildings,” Lonergan said. “They're out here, always rummaging through trash cans and things like that.
“I think… (it will get) worse.”
In a letter to the city council, residents point to other properties within a two-and-a-half kilometer radius of the proposed site.
“They're just building a lot of these types of properties in the area and continuing to do so without any consultation with the neighbors,” Lonergan.
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Some of those sites include the hostel, a former hotel converted into housing for at-risk individuals, and Stephen Village, a supportive housing complex on Agassiz Road.
Residents living in or near Agassiz document persistent problems such as open drug use, fights and break-ins.
BC Housing said it will continue to share updates about the project and communicate with neighbors as the project progresses.
While no city residents were available for comment Friday, Mayor Tom Dyas assured residents at a council meeting last month that the City Council was aware of these concerns.
“I truly want you all to know that nothing you said went unnoticed, we hear everything you say,” Diaz said Nov. 18 when the council voted on parking changes associated with the project.
The city said Friday, “As this initiative moves forward, we are committed to doing so in a way that reflects community input and builds trust.”
The statement continued: “This means the facility is designed and operated to the highest safety standards, including Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles such as lighting, natural surveillance, clear visibility and controlled access.”
If all goes according to plan, the new facility will be operational in 2027.
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