The City of Lethbridge has approved a rezoning application for a new supportive housing complex on 614 Stafford Drive North, September 21, 2023. (Photo: City of Lethbridge)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge City Council approves rezoning for supportive housing complex

Sep 21, 2023 | 9:05 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A new supportive housing complex could soon be built in Lethbridge.

At the regular city council meeting on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, members voted unanimously to approve Bylaw 6411 – Land Use Bylaw Amendment.

It saw the currently empty lot at 416 Stafford Drive North rezoned from General Commercial to Direct Control, a move that is required to establish a supportive housing facility of its size.

Once complete, it will contain 30 units of supportive housing on the second and third floors, while the ground level will contain a medical office, other social supports, and a pharmacy.

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Both the $10.2 million construction cost and ongoing operations will be fully funded by the provincial government.

Lethbridge Housing Authority (LHA) CEO Robin James said the complex will house those who are experiencing homelessness, who have disabilities with no capacity to live in market housing, mental health concerns, and those who need additional life skills. Every occupant must commit to recovery.

James stressed that, despite some “misconceptions” she has heard from the public, it will have no elements of a supervised consumption site.

For those who might experience a relapse with substance use, she said the LHA will work with the Blood Tribe Department of Health, who recently took over operations of the nearby Lethbridge Shelter and Resource Centre.

READ MORE: Blood Tribe Department of Health takes over operation of Lethbridge homeless shelter

Council heard from several residents at the meeting who were opposed to the development due to its location and the potential for it to increase crime in the area.

Others spoke out in favour, saying that more housing is needed to support those who are struggling.

Councillors highlighted the fact that it has fallen behind on its goal to establish more supportive housing.

In 2019, it was identified that an additional 390 units of supportive housing was needed in Lethbridge and that another 30 units would have to be built every year to keep up with demand. Between 2019 and 2022, however, only three of the 14 applications for such developments had been approved.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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