A plan for getting some of Langley’s homeless into permanent housing moved one step forward Monday, as Township council approved sending the project to a public hearing.
While councillors emphasized they want to hear from residents, most spoke favourably of the supportive housing project proposed for the former Quality Inn in the 6400 block of 200th Street.
The 49-unit housing project, if approved, will be operated by Langley’s Stepping Stone Community Services and will have an Intensive Case Management team (ICM) on site, providing access and referrals to health care, mental health services, and drug counselling.
The project has proved controversial, with some nearby residents from the Willoughby Slope and Langley Meadows areas raising concerns about drug use and public safety in the neighbourhood. Some have complained the site is too close to Langley Meadows Elementary.
Other residents and advocates for the homeless have urged that the plan go forward. The last homeless count in Langley, in 2017, found more than 200 people living on the streets, and numbers have been increasing year after year.
While several councillors acknowledged there were some public fears over the project, they voted unanimously to move forward, approving the first and second readings of a rezoning bylaw for the site.
“As a council, we have a responsibility to provide for the most vulnerable people in our society,” said Councillor Blair Whitmarsh.
Coun. Petrina Arnason said it was the council’s obligation to show leadership on the issue.
“I believe this could be a model for what we’re going to have in all of our communities,” she said.
“There’s an awful lot of emotion surrounding this application,” said Coun. Steve Ferguson.
Mayor Jack Froese noted that, if approved, the facility will have a “good neighbour committee” involving residents, staff, nearby residents, and others to help resolve any conflicts between the supportive housing and its neighbours.
Because of the intense interest expected in the project, Coun. Kim Richter suggested that the public hearing be given its own night, without any other items on the agenda.
The public hearing is to be held at the Township Civic Facility on Wednesday, Dec. 5 starting at 6 p.m.
If there are too many speakers, it could run into a second night.
Following the public hearing, the council will vote on third reading at a future meeting.
