City still seeking properties for eventual shelter build

“We were hopeful that by this time we’d be moving forward on a site that we truly believe aligns with our vision of shelter services in Red Deer. We’re disappointed, but we also understand that sometimes things don’t go as planned and we’re ready to move forward,” said Johnston, who insisted this was only a “temporary obstacle.”

City council vowed at their special meeting that week that it would persist in finding a suitable location.

The Alberta NDP first announced $7 million for a 24/7 homeless shelter back in March 2019, and then the UCP reaffirmed that funding one year later.

A temporary shelter was set up in March 2020 next door to Safe Harbour, the same organization which operates it in Railyards. In early 2021, it was given just two months to operate at that location, but a series of different extensions which followed led to it remaining there to this day.

And to this day, the permanent shelter remains unbuilt because a suitable location cannot be found.

Currently, the City is developing a high-level property listing for technical review, but any properties not on the list can still get on it by using the City’s online form.

Administration will assess the privately-owned properties submitted, sites that are currently on the market, and municipally or provincially owned properties using Council’s criteria, the City says in a release.

The criteria are as follows:

Ability to acquire site: Acquiring the optimum site can be done in a timely manner. Acquisition options and costs are important considerations.
Adequate size: The size of the site considers the potential need to adjust service delivery at any given time. It will accommodate proposed integrated amenities and services. It considers the land size needed to accommodate outdoor gathering spaces and activities. The site already has a building or can accommodate a building that meets the Province’s minimum requirement of 10,000 square feet.
Broad community impact: The site aligns with The City’s vision for the community. Community impact includes considerations such as, impacts on economic and business development, and municipal operations. It includes potential reputational impacts and financial impacts (both capital and operating). It also includes impacts to those accessing shelter services in our community. The site considers impacts to our community as a whole, including health, and safety for all in our valued places and spaces that are enjoyed by our citizens.
Impacts to surrounding area: Impacts to businesses, residences, parks, trails, and schools are a priority consideration in selecting site. The city’s reputation is considered. A preferred site can accommodate and foster development of a safe, secure shelter.
Access to services & supports: Safety and basic needs for all is a priority. Regularly utilized services and supports that would not be co-located are taken into consideration. Sites where co-located services can operationalize are preferred.

Once technical assessments are finished, administration will present options to council for consideration to recommend to the province.

For information on the future shelter site selection process, please visit www.reddeer.ca/shelter.

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by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

City still seeking properties for eventual shelter build

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