A New Westminster group wants people who support the proposed modular housing project in Queensborough for women who are homeless to send a message to council.
The group Yes in New West! posted on its Twitter account (@YesinNewWest) a button in which people can “send a letter of support” to council about the controversial project.
Proposed is a 44-unit modular housing development to be located at 838 Ewen Ave. If approved, the project would provide housing and support services for women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Council gave first and second readings to the bylaws, which will be considered at a public hearing in council chambers on Tuesday, June 26. Council also directed staff to report back before the public hearing about the suitability of building the modular housing project at 200 Fenton St.
The move to get people to send their support to council is in response to a 2,000-name petition submitted by Queensborough residents who say the Ewen Avenue location is the wrong place for the project.
Ashifa Dhanani, who is part of a group called Queensborough Residents for Responsible Community Planning that formed in response to this proposal, said at a recent council meeting that the community embraced a housing project for women and children just a few blocks away.
“We are in support of the project. We really feel it’s important to get 44 women off the street as soon as possible,” she said. “We feel like we can do it in Queensborough.”
Dhanani presented council with the petition, which is calling on the provincial government to work with the city and stakeholders to extend the timeline for community consultation, to address potential risks related to the project and to find a location away from a site near children, because of potential exposure to drug use, drug trade and high-risk mental health behaviours.
