Red Deer city council agreed to pay $513,600 for fencing, security and other measures to counter negative impacts around the temporary homeless shelter at Cannery Row.
But councillors made it clear the provincial government must also contribute as about $80,000 is still needed towards estimated total costs.
The shelter is operated by Safe Harbour, but funded by the province — which should be shouldering some of the financial load of reducing vandalism, loitering and litter in the downtown, said Coun. Victor Doerksen.
Although the province had previously stated no additional money will be available for the Red Deer’s temporary shelter, Doerksen didn’t think the city should bear the entire cost of mitigating downtown disturbances that have sparked on-going business complaints.
He introduced a cost-sharing amendment that was approved by the majority on council. While city administration had initially asked council to pay out of municipal reserves the whole $593,600 needed for mitigating measures over two years, Doerksen brought the city’s contribution down to $513,600 over two years.
The funds will be needed to erect fencing around the perimeter of the shelter and for new seating, garbage receptacles and landscaping for a courtyard for shelter clients in the north side of the building. It’s also needed for security and litter pick-up in the neighbourhood where the shelter will operate for another two years — until a permanent homeless shelter is constructed.
Mayor Ken Johnston said the province is only being asked to kick about 15 per cent of total costs. “That is very fair and equitable… and our staff is very equipped o go out and negotiate.”
Coun. Cindy Jefferies and Coun. Dianne Wyntjes expressed concern about the downtown being short-changed if the province doesn’t step up with the needed $80,000. But other councillors wanted to send a clear message.
“This is a three-legged stool, not a one-legged stool, with the city being the only funding source,” said Coun. Michael Dawe, who was among the councillors who suggested the property owner also be approached for some funding.
If there’s still a shortfall in the end, administration can always return to council — but at least there’s now room for others to make financial contributions, said Coun. Lawrence Lee.
On Monday, city council approved a long list of site improvements. Besides fence installation and courtyard amenities, there are stipulations for on-site security and cameras, better marked entrances, and a lockable outdoor storage area not visible from the street. Regular outside inspections of the property and continued cleanup were also part of the shelter’s development permit conditions.
Council will also establish a $50,000 per year vandalism clean-up support grant that’s available to businesses that have had smashed windows and other property damage — although Wyntjes questioned whether this would be enough.
Kristin Walsh, the City of Red Deer’s safe and healthy communities manager, told council that some approved items, such as the benches and garbage receptacles, would be put to other uses around the city once the temporary shelter is closed in two years.
lmichelin@reddeeradvocate.com
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