City council chambers were overflowing with supporters for Streets Alive on December 21, 2023, as the organization appealed the stop order that was issued to them. (Photo: LNN)

By Joel Mendelson

Streets Alive appeals stop order issued by City of Lethbridge

Dec 22, 2023 | 1:52 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The council chamber at Lethbridge City Hall was overcapacity as Streets Alive Mission attempted to appeal the stop order that was issued to them by the city.

In November 2023, the stop order was issued because the city deemed that Streets Alive had outgrown its land-use permit for religious assembly. The land uses in question include services that assist the homeless population such as the clothing bank, on-site lockers for visitors, and the financial administration program.

This stop order situation was prompted by a complaint made against Streets Alive. The Downtown Lethbridge Revitalization Zone (BRZ) supported the stop order in a letter to the appeal board.

On December 15, 2023, the BRZ said, “The situation at Streets Alive became so untenable for the surrounding businesses in the area that, on July 12, 2023, the RZ submitted a formal complaint to the City of Lethbridge to investigate the permitted activities.”

The city stated that Streets Alive will have to apply for permits for a resource centre, personal service, and medical and health office.

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If the appeal is unsuccessful, the organization will have until mid-August 2024 to apply for the permits.

However, Streets Alive co-founder Ken Kissick told the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board at the December 21 hearing that the permits are intrusive and contradictory to their mission, which is religious assembly.

Kissick said, “As a Christian and as a worshipper, whenever someone has a need and I have the ability to provide that need, that is how we do it. People need haircuts, people need foot care, people need foot-washing… Jesus washed feet… These are all parts of our action to worship our God.”

The organization decided to appeal the stop order rather than apply for permits, as either situation would result in a town hall similar to yesterday’s hearing.

Cameron Kissick, COO of Streets Alive, said, “They say you can get the permit, but the fact of the matter is we have to apply for the permit. Including one that is a discretionary use, which can be brought to City Hall in an open house meeting, similar to what we’re going through tonight.”

He added, “We don’t feel like we’re operating outside our current permit, and we do not feel the need to apply for a new one.”

Many of those in attendance were in support of Streets Alive, as numerous city residents spoke in favour of the organization and the supports it provides. When the time came for residents to speak in favour of the stop order, nobody came forward.

Ken Kissick said he expects to win this appeal. The city’s appeal board will have until January 5, 2024, to make a decision.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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