“Hard no”: Pines residents, businesses, dog park users vehemently against proposed ‘Project Nexus’

Feb. 3, city council gave first reading to a pair of zoning matters critical to it moving forward. A sure-to-be-contentious public hearing, followed by second and potentially third reading, is set for Feb. 25 at City Hall.

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Red Deer Homeless Foundation unveils Project Nexus
WHAT DOES THE ZONING CHANGE DO AND NOT DO?: Zoning for Red Deer’s proposed ‘Project Nexus’ gets initial approval

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What’s more is that this isn’t the first time Pines residents have taken up this very fight.

In 2022, the city and council were considering, to varying degrees, upwards of 150 sites for a shelter. In 2019, the outgoing NDP and new UCP governments each committed $7 million for a permanent shelter, however location proved to be sticking point on multiple levels.

In May 2022, council directed administration to report back on what it would take to service the land at 6910 Riverside Drive, directly east of Pines.

The cost: $5 million, plus another half million for offsite levies.

Council didn’t request such a report for all the sites, but in the end, they saw the cost, as well as significant public feedback in opposition, and steered away.

Judy English, a Pines resident for 25 years, is vehemently against the latest proposal.

“We do not want this below the Pines; it is a hazard and an interference. We have homeless camps in the Pines already, and the city comes in to remove them. It’s a huge problem. People are already fearful of using the walking paths,” says Pines, who is also concerned an increase in foot traffic could lead to a higher number and severity of bush fires in the bordering wooded area.”

“We should not have to have that kind of anxiety.”

English opines that such a facility should be out of the city completely, and she believes these types of facilities are too often proposed for the north side of town.

“What about the south side? We don’t want it anymore than they do.”

A newer resident of Pines, Anna Rico, like many others, has young kids to worry about; plus, the neighbourhood is home to Pines Alternative School, she notes.

“Is this going to solve the problem? No. The only thing we’re doing is moving the issue from the businesses downtown to a residential area. This will just open a corridor between the location and downtown,” says Rico, who emphasizes the situation is heartbreaking and that empathy is vital.

“We’re talking about putting the rights of the users of this facility to be taken care of over the rights of families, children, and elderly people who have the right to grow up in a safe environment. One cannot come at the expense of the other just because businesses are complaining, or because politicians feel they want to save face.”

“It’s very easy for one person to say ‘It has to go somewhere,’ when it’s not close to where they are,” she says.

There’s also concern from Pines residents and others that Project Nexus will be a ‘wet’ facility.

Darcy Mykytyshyn, Homeless Foundation CEO, shared Monday that Hope Mission, which is taking over the existing temporary shelter in Railyards this April, is partnering with them on Project Nexus.

“Hope Mission welcomes anyone experiencing homelessness; however, the possession and consumption of substances in their facilities is prohibited,” he says in a statement to rdnewsNOW.

“By bringing these services together, we can reduce barriers, prevent crises and provide clearer pathways to stable housing. This means safer neighbourhoods, a stronger downtown and better outcomes for all.”

Mykytyshyn says the foundation has approached engagement on Project Nexus as a core responsibility, not simply a procedural requirement.

Though the city is responsible for informing property owners within 100 metres of rezoning proceedings, the foundation has been tasked with taking those talks beyond standard parameters and into places like Pines.

He says the board has met, in varying capacities, with residents from Pines, organizations connected to River Bend Recreation Area (east of Three Mile Bend across the river), service clubs, Indigenous leaders, and homeless-serving agencies.

“We have worked intentionally to make information about Project Nexus accessible through our website and have invited the community to share their thoughts, questions, concerns, and support directly with us,” Mykytyshyn adds.

“Between now and the public hearing, this engagement will continue, with a focus on listening carefully, providing clear information, and supporting an informed public process as council considers the rezoning decision. We will make ourselves available for any and all who want to engage.”

(Image Credit: Contributed)

Another concerned citizen spoke to rdnewsNOW about those who use Three Mile Bend Dog Park, but asked to remain anonymous due to negative feedback she’s received on social media, and on posters she hung at the park.

She says there’s concern for both seniors and people who walk alone through the park, as well as for animals who could pursue someone in a wooded area, or step on or eat something hazardous to them.

She also submitted a petition to city council prior to the recent rezoning initiation, and it included nearly 240 signatures, she shares.

Enter Nicole Yoxall, co-owner at A-1 Willy’s Parts Place, which is located just over the relatively short but already-barb-wired chainlink fence on the north side of the proposed site. Her family business has been in that spot for approximately 50 years.

A fence separates A-1 Willy’s Auto Parts Place from the building proposed to be converted into a campus-style site for shelter and other wraparound services for those experiencing drug addiction and homelessness. (Image Credit: Contributed)

Naturally, Yoxall is concerned about trespassing, and she adds bluntly, things happening to her guard dogs.

“We are a hard no. This location is zoned as heavy industrial, and it needs to stay that way. It is that way because of the amount of heavy machinery, large trucks, and with the crushing of the metal that happens. We have large trucks coming and going constantly, and it just wouldn’t be safe for them,” she says, also adding that she’s trying to approach the matter with compassion.

“Having them as neighbours would cause our land to depreciate, and affect what we have done in order to keep the land itself in good shape, environmentally speaking.”

Yoxall surmises the city may be able to pay for human security for its nearby civic yards, but that isn’t a luxury all small businesses can afford.

“Do we agree there needs to be something out there? Yes, we’re not cold-hearted. But until the city or someone is ready to make major changes, like opening more mental health spaces, or creating harsher penalties for the ones committing crimes, it’s just a band-aid, and they’re just moving the problem, which won’t fix it.”

Thomas Mackell has the unique perspective of having lived a hard life on the street for close to two decades; only during the first two was he using drugs.

Mackell says the reason people try to build their own shelters is that they don’t want to be around anyone, namely, someone who could steal their stuff or hurt them.

He’s even come up with a solution-based multipurpose recovery and wraparound services program called ‘Finding Pathways,’ which he’s attempted to pitch to anyone who’ll listen.

“The solution is education for those on the street. Rehabilitate and re-educate them, give them a proper system that works with transportation, teach them budgeting, and all sorts of things,” he says.

Mackell is opposed to Project Nexus as presented, but he does want people to understand it’s onerous to be focused on housing and rehab when you’re knee-deep in the stigmatic world of homelessness.

“You’ve given up because all you read about is people telling you you’re not worth it. I had a guy throw a lit cigarette butt at me just because I asked for some spare change to catch the bus and get to the shelter so I could have somewhere to sleep,” he says.

“People always talk about wanting to help the homeless, but sticking them in shelters isn’t going to help long-term. Some people are feeling so disconnected from their own culture, they don’t even know who they are anymore.”

It’d be nice to know people care about them, he continues, but NIMBYism — the concept of ‘Not In My Back Yard — is wearing.

“Their families gave up on them when they were at their worst, and when they do try and heal, nobody believes them anymore. They’ve got nothing left, and already feel like sh*t. Half the time, that’s why they’re doing drugs in the first place, so they don’t have to feel,” he says.

“You get numb to the things people say to you, the way they look at you, wondering and worrying, you know?”

He says that’s why he’s trying to effect change — to give the guys and gals he knows some encouragement.

“Second chances are like human rights; everyone deserves them.”

The City of Red Deer conducted a new Point In Time homeless count last October, and anticipates releasing results sometimes soon.

The last count done in late 2024 revealed close to 800 people in different states of homelessness — more than double the 334 counted in 2022.

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The public hearing starts at 3 p.m. on Feb. 25, not the standard 5 p.m., as it’s anticipated many people will be in attendance. The comment submission deadline is 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 13.

Those who wish to submit written comments on this public hearing matter may do so by:

Completing and submitting the Public Hearing Submission Form located on The City’s website at www.reddeer.ca/publichearings

Emailing your comments to publichearings@reddeer.ca;

Dropping off a written copy of your submission at City Hall (4914 48 Avenue) during business hours to the attention of Red Deer City Council c/o Clerk, Legislative Services; or

Mailing your submission to Red Deer City Council c/o Clerk, Legislative Services, Box 5008, Red Deer, AB T4N 3T4.

More information is available in the attached FAQ Rezoning of 7740 40 Avenue (pdf).

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by Josh Hall | @Vancan19

“Hard no”: Pines residents, businesses, dog park users vehemently against proposed ‘Project Nexus’

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