Red Deer city council approves development permit for temporary overnight warming space

“I have to put the life safety risks first, and I would hope that if we’re in a position where we need more space, we can act at that time. Although, like others, I’d like a more permanent plan,” she said, adding that those involved looked at other spaces and other options but found the best option in a short time frame.

“The reality is we don’t have enough space, and it’s cold outside, and we need to look after people in our community.”

Conditions of the resolution. (Image Credit: City of Red Deer)

Shining Mountains Living Community Services will operate the temporary shelter after submitting an application.

The facility occupies approximately 5,000 square feet and can hold approximately 40-50 people. It’s designed to operate as a seasonal overnight warming space that will run from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily.

When asked when the shelter could potentially open its doors, the city administration couldn’t give an exact date but explained it’s more likely to be days rather than weeks.

There will be a rest area with mats and blankets for people to utilize while there, as well as on-site medical care, food services, supervised storage for personal belongings, and access to clean washrooms. There will also be activity areas stocked with art supplies and a theatre space for watching movies.

The city described the site as a mixed-use area with residential, community, medical, office, commercial, and outreach-related uses.

A minimum of four paid staff must be on site per shift, plus medical personnel and volunteers.

For security, all internal zones and entrances will be monitored by security cameras as well as security patrols in the exterior areas. There will also be security screening for all guests who want to enter the shelter and staff who are trained in de-escalation.

Public consultation was also conducted by the city by sending letters to properties within 100 metres of the site. However, the administration acknowledged that, due to time constraints, not all addresses were notified.

The consultation unveiled that most felt the development would increase theft, vandalism, and property damage. They also found respondents determined there’s a risk of the site becoming a hotspot for illegal drug distribution and that the site could overburden police and EMS.

Local businesses explained that they’ll be forced to spend money on security upgrades to protect assets and that there could be a decline in land values, and an increased responsibility to clean human waste and drug paraphernalia, among other concerns.

Councillor Cassandra Curtis, who voted in favour of the resolution, said this is going to provide alternative options for the homeless population so they don’t have to rely on public spaces.

“This is for two months to prevent frostbite and extreme cold injuries. Encampments are a result of a lack of space, and not everyone can access Safe Harbour and the Mustard Seed has been full,” she said.

Shining Mountains’ executive director, Raye St. Denys, was on hand to answer questions from council on Tuesday, and she expressed frustration with how long the process has taken.

“I’m frustrated that we have people dying in the streets of Red Deer… I’m frustrated at the number of amputations and disabilities that we are being allowed,” she said.

She explained her goal for the warming place is to be a location for people to turn to when they’re not accepted anywhere else.

When asked by council why Shining Mountains applied for only two months instead of a more long-term solution, she said it came down to money. They will only be funded until the end of March.

“Do I think this city needs a safe place longer? Absolutely. I think we’re going to need one in the summer when people are passing out,” she said, adding that everyone needs shelter and water when it’s hot outside.

“It’s just as dangerous to be out in hot weather as it is in cold… We need to start being considerate of people.”

In addition, when asked what happens to these people on April 1 when they don’t have a place to go, she said they’ll open their office.

“We’ll have lots of them come in. I’ll cry, and so will they,” she added. “And people will die.”

Councillor Kraymer Barnstable, who voted against the resolution, said in his closing comments that what’s actually needed is another shelter option as a long-term solution.

“I feel like this conversation is a much bigger conversation than just a two-month one,” he said.

“If it’s approved today, we get to March 31st, then what? I’m struggling with that.”

In addition, councillor Dianne Wyntjes also voted against the resolution for a number of reasons. She said she would rather see collaboration between the current shelter space providers in Red Deer to augment this.

“I’m not going to be popular with my decision. I apologize to those who will be angry with me, but from the conversations I’ve had with the community, this is not the solution at this time.”

by Ian Gustafson

Red Deer city council approves development permit for temporary overnight warming space

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