Lethbridge Ramada hotel. (Supplied by Trip Advisor)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge residents petition against proposed location for supportive housing

Dec 8, 2020 | 12:52 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A new petition asks Lethbridge City Council to vote no on rezoning the Lethbridge Ramada Hotel and Chinook Motel to allow for a new permanent supportive housing complex and sober shelter.

The Mustard Seeds seeks to have the property on 1303 Mayor Magrath Drive South rezoned to allow for multi-family residential and resource centre uses.

READ MORE: Mustard Seed details plans for Lethbridge shelters, but can’t discuss locations

Organizer Laurie Stewart lives in the nearby Lakeview community and was first informed of the rezoning plans by a letter sent out to neighbouring property owners.

She believes Lethbridge needs these types of facilities, just not exactly like the current application states.

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“The online petition we have running right now is not about stopping supportive housing options for vulnerable people and populations, but it is about showcasing why the Ramada Hotel and Chinook Motel property is a poor location.”

Stewart says the area has many local businesses as well as supports families rely on.

“We have two elementary schools and one junior high school, along with preschool and daycare close by.”

She also raised concerns about her belief that the proposed project could lead to increased property crime and lower property values.

“I wonder about people coming into our beautiful city and what they would think about having a homeless and sober centre right on Mayor Magrath Drive, which is a major thoroughfare. Also, I worry about tourism – people coming to our town to spend time – and our businesses who are suffering from COVID. This proposal will not help them.”

What Stewart struggles with is where the shelters should go instead.

She does not think it should be anywhere near residential areas but acknowledges that it needs to be closer to other support services. One potential option she offered is the now-former Save-On-Foods location on 1 Ave North, which is currently vacant.

The petition encourages members of the public to reach out to members of Lethbridge City Council to voice their opinions on the proposal.

City officials told LNN there will be a public hearing on the rezoning application, likely sometime in January.

There will be a limit on how many people can physically be in council chambers at the time, but the public is also encouraged to submit their feedback by phone, email submission, or through a recorded verbal message. More details here.

At the time of publication early Tuesday afternoon, the petition has garnered over 2,600 signatures.

The petition can be found online here.