City’s vote on rezoning for proposed supportive housing sites adjourned until late October

No decision from the City on a proposed reasoning for the five sites identified for new supportive housing units.

The City’s standing policy committee voted to adjourn the vote until late October, citing a need for more information and clarity from public service.

It means that the over 30 residents who were waiting for their chance to speak at Friday’s public hearing will have to wait.  

“I am a little bit disappointed that we weren’t able to express our opinions today,” said Erica Vido, who is in opposition due to the protection of green space.

The proposed sites would be located on Sherburn St, Plessis Rd., Stella Ave, Poseidon Bay, and McPhillips Street, and would then be taken over by the province to run programming and services. However, the city WANTS more specifics on what those services will entail before committing to rezoning.

“On Wednesday, we heard an appeal about a hair salon in a neighbourhood, now they’re asking to bring social services into neighbourhoods, and we’re not telling the people what those social services could be? What the top two options are? We need a little bit more consultation on that,” said Councillor Evan Duncan, the chairperson of the standing police committee on property and development.

The committee also wants to see individual private appraisals of each parcel of land to determine the value of the properties.

“Is there potential revenue to be had for the city of Winnipeg, and could that be a method to then give that money to the province of Manitoba? It’s important to know what are these worth,” said Duncan.

Public Service will now have until October 20 to come up with more information to present to the committee, and while there was disappointment among members who will have to wait five weeks to voice their opinions, many praised the committee’s patience.

“I feel for the people who wanted to speak and didn’t get to speak.  I think that people should be able to speak their minds, and as the conversation progresses, let’s speak some more, get on the same page, and continue working forward together,” said Jackson Unger, who is in support of supportive housing.

Vido, however, says, “We’re not afraid of supportive housing, and Daniel Mack is a very welcoming environment, and everybody is welcome in Daniel Mack, and we’re happy to support and do our part on the homelessness strategy, but there’s clearly not enough information.  That came out loud and clear.”