After the threat on ABDA’s window, personal attack on Tina Stewart and attempted smearing of the Salvation Army’s reputation, it was nice to see both sides presented.
What appears to have been forgotten is how Abbotsford’s Downtown area was several years ago. Heck, you didn’t even feel safe at the Berry Festival, never mind the Christmas Tree Lighting!
Now the streets are clean with lovely, well-tended hanging baskets. There are a variety of interesting shops and restaurants, some new, some long-standing giving stability to the area. And we are starting to feel safe again!
Do I have compassion for the homeless? Yes, but we need to look at the location of where the Abbotsford Community Services and BC Housing wish to put its facility.
ACS provides day care, some senior services and many people with different types of disabilities also attend there. Transit also has a transfer place right in front. What is the safety of those people going to be like?
There is a rumour of an elementary school very close to this proposed site.
I have read the ACS and BC Housing brochure, but very little is said.
And please folks, the Christine Lamb Residence for women and their children is second stage, where this proposal is low barrier or first stage. Please do not confuse the two as they are two different places for two different causes.
The people who have businesses, their employees as well as those who shop downtown also need to be considered.
Many are concerned about their safety or seeing a really nice downtown going back to the way it was.
It is indeed a balancing act.
Bonnie Joerger
