I read the editorial from Ron Liddle: “Why would there be any more opposition to a transition house than to seniors’ housing or a swimming pool”?
A transition house is a dwelling that houses at-risk women and children who have experienced violence or at risk of experiencing violence. The shelter welcomes women and children from other communities. It is a safe, staffed 24/7, 24-hour secured, temporary shelter, typically used less than 30 days. Simply, a transition house is a temporary safe shelter, free and used by many when needed.
Today the transition house in Grand Forks operates in a Community Use zone and not in an R-3 Multifamily Residential zone. Seniors’ housing is a complex that houses seniors with independent or supportive living residences. There is a fee to use this facility. Seniors’ housing is not categorized as a shelter. The stay doesn’t end after a few days or weeks as those using a transition house (shelter).
Silver Kettle operates in a Community Use zone and not in an R-3 Multifamily Residential zone.
A swimming pool is a structure, often a concrete-lined excavation of rectangular shape that is filled with water and used for swimming. Not sure why one would compare a swimming pool to a transition house. However, the aquatic centre has a fee to use, resides in a Community Use zone and not in an R-3 Multifamily Residential zone.
The allocated funds from the government of B.C. are to replace the current transition house (shelter). I believe the people are voicing their concerns specifically to the transition house (shelter) coming into an R-3 Multifamily Residential zone and are not referring to the potential second stage housing.
Contrary to what Mr. Liddle says, “No drug use is accepted in the transition house or second stage housing,” nobody can guarantee there is no drug use on any premises unless they do random testing.
I agree many should be worried to who your neighbour might sell their house or property to. Our city zoning allows a dwelling next door to be used as a shelter?
Ron Liddle made a reference to, ‘’There is a tiny chance you might get electrocuted.” I say, “Why would anyone take the chance and get electrocuted?”
– B. Dowling, Grand Forks
