(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

next steps...

City releases new permanent shelter ‘What we Heard’ report

Jun 18, 2022 | 2:17 PM

The City of Red Deer has released its latest What We Heard Report, pertaining to the ongoing matter of finding the right location for a permanent shelter.

The permanent shelter is to be a $7 million provincially-funded project, but city council and the municipality, along with the Government of Alberta, have struggled to come up with an appropriate site.

The City collected public input from May 10 to June 13, then analyzed and compiled it into this report.

Between May 25 and June 10, an online survey attracted 723 participants. There were seven in-person opportunities, held June 8-10, with 101 participants. More than 80 emails were also received.

The City also compiled a similar report following public consultations in February and March.

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In summary, the new report’s key findings are as follows (as described by the City):

Broad themes

• Impact to surrounding neighbourhoods
• Improved integrated services
• Move forward with long-term approach (consideration of location and financial impacts)
• Continued community involvement through input opportunities, information sharing and opportunity for community to support in long-term success.

Site-based concerns

• Impacts to surrounding land use is the most important consideration when making a decision about the location for a future permanent shelter in Red Deer.
• Impacts to people, specifically as it relates to “citizen safety” for everyone in the community, must be considered.
• Residential neighbourhoods should not be considered.
• Protection of recreational spaces and natural habitats
• Financial compensation should be considered for those who are directly impacted by the location of the future permanent shelter.
• Accountability must be a priority.

City council will receive this report at their meeting on June 20, with next steps to be considered then or in the near future.

Administration will recommend a new council ad hoc committee to decide site criteria, based on council and community input and technical expertise, then develop a site criteria evaluation matrix which will guide the site selection process, The City says.