Red Deer city council approves temporary shelter development permit and mitigation strategies fund
Red Deer city council approved at Monday’s meeting the development permit for the temporary shelter at Cannery Row, allowing operations until Feb. 1, 2024. Council also approved $513,600 over two years for mitigation strategies to respond to the issues being faced in the Railyards neighbourhood.
Until 2023, the strategies are aimed to directly address concerns that business and property owners in the area have identified over the last few years.
“I want to let the businesses and property owners in the Railyards neighbourhood know that we’ve heard you, and we understand. The mitigation strategies are in response to the issues being faced by surrounding neighbours right now,” said Mayor Ken Johnston. “What we need to remember is that we are planning for a fully integrated permanent shelter that transforms how we support the individuals who access it. The long-term vision will provide hope and dignity for those in need while also integrating into the community, and it’s going to take all of us coming to the table to be able to do that”
The mitigation strategies, originally approved in May 2021, are tactical implementations such as enhanced business and resident engagement, security, cleaning, and support for those who experience vandalism. During the public hearing for the Land Use Bylaw amendment on January 17, Council heard that the Railyard area is facing safety and cleanliness issues and therefore an extension of the funding was approved.