A Fenton Street site is off the table for a proposed modular housing project for homeless women.
Working in partnership with BC Housing, the City of New Westminster has proposed to build a 44-unit modular housing project for women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness at 838 Ewen Ave. After receiving a petition signed by more than 2,000 people who are concerned about building the project next to the community centre and two schools, council directed staff to take another look at a site at 200 Fenton St. in Queensborough.
John Stark, the city’s acting director of planning, said the Fenton Street site has a number of positive attributes, including its large size, but it also has a number of site-preparation constraints that prevent it from being suitable for the modular housing project.
“The funding source for the modular housing is under the rapid response to homelessness initiative,” he said. “This funding stream has very tight timelines with regards to buildings being completed, the timeline being March 31, 2019.”
On Monday, council approved a resolution that the Fenton Street site not be considered for the rapid response supportive housing units. Council also directed staff to consider 200 Fenton St. and other locations for a permanent supportive housing project.
“Based on BC Housing information provided, the provincial government has committed $6.6 billion over the next 10 years to create a range of safe, affordable housing across British Columbia,” Stark said. “Four programs have been announced, including the one which is being used to fund modular housing, and others are in development.”
On June 26, the city will hold a public hearing regarding a proposal to build a three-storey modular housing project at 838 Ewen Ave. in Queensborough.
Stark said a feasibility study for the Fenton Street site, which included a geotechnical analysis, determined there were a number of site-preparation constraints that made it unsuitable for the rapid response to homelessness funding from the province. He said preloading period could range from six to 24 months.
“The subject site and neighbouring properties have historical drainage and flooding issues due to low elevation and flat topography. As such, a storm water management plan will be necessary, which will entail drainage and flood management works, which will have notable cost implications,” he said. “Additionally, the subject site will also require the removal of existing peat and silty soil, and preloading due to core compressible soils.”
If that site was developed, Stark said a sidewalk would need to be installed on Fenton Street to provide access to the modular housing building, as most of the women would be relying on walking and public transit. He said a new sidewalk would include ditch enclosure and storm sewer installation along Fenton Street, and the installation of additional lighting.
Mayor Jonathan Cote said the door is open for further conversations about the Fenton Street site. Given the level of investment to prepare the site for construction, he said a permanent facility would be more appropriate than modular housing.
