On Monday, Red Deer city council could publicly release information about which possible locations were considered for the permanent homeless shelter and discussed in closed-door meetings.
Administrators will be asking councillors to share details with Red Deerians that were previously presented in camera. Reasons for this disclosure are “to increase transparency,” and to loop in the public so Red Deerians can fully understand council’s decision-making process to date.
City council previously selected a proposed site for the shelter southeast of the Taylor Bridge. But it was dropped from consideration after widespread opposition to it — especially from the downtown business community, which continues to be concerned about loitering, litter and social disorder.
Opponents had argued this location would be too close to downtown businesses and to the Capstone area, which being marketed for large-scale and high-end developments. They wanted this focal, river-front lot to be used for a more attractive building project.
Also see:
-Downtown advocate is outraged by proposed shelter site
- Council opts for a public process for selecting shelter location
As a result of the opposition, council instead asked administrators to design a public participation process so city residents can help decide where the permanent shelter should be located.
A permanent homeless shelter, with integrated services to help people get house and into addictions treatment, has long been sought by city council and local social service agencies.
In 2020, the provincial government committed $7 million towards the purpose-built integrated permanent shelter in Red Deer and later signed a memorandum of understanding on the project with the city.
In February, Maven Strategies was contracted by the city to conduct several targeted community conversations to develop a better understanding of the community’s thoughts on the shelter, its location, and the process in advance of zoning requirements.
The Maven Strategies report has confirmed that a permanent shelter is needed, and that there’s strong support for a community-led solution. Council directed administration last month to create a strategy for sharing information and crafting solutions with the community.
At Monday’s council meeting, councillors will hear a request by administration for four more weeks to finish the public engagement process.
lmichelin@reddeeradvocate.com
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