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The rapid housing project slated for 120 Broad St., was given the green light to take another step forward Wednesday, but not without an apology from Regina’s mayor to the people of that neighbourhood.
In recent weeks there has been fairly loud opposition to the project from some people in that area. Some were worried about the project itself, but still others were frustrated that the city went ahead with it on that spot with, they felt, little to no information or consultation with neighbours.
As part of her final comments in the discussion during Wednesday’s council meeting, Mayor Sandra Masters apologized to the people in the neighbourhood who felt disrespected or that they weren’t important in the process.
“I think that you’re hearing from most, if not all, of council and definitely I believe administration that we want this to be a success. We believe that we can change the lives of at least 29 people in the first few years and hopefully ongoing for the next 20. It’s important work and we’re willing to support it and get behind it,” said Masters.
The mayor talked about wanting to be better moving forward, and about understanding that engagement with citizens isn’t just surveys and pamphlets, but also calls from angry citizens.
“Whether they are pro or against, they deserve to be engaged with and have information shared with them,” said Masters.
Council and the city clearly believe in the project, according to Masters, and appreciate the work that has gone into it.
“But I’m not prepared to pat myself on the back when we’ve left such hard feelings behind in a community,” said Masters.
Speaking after the meeting, Masters said council could probably have predicted what happened, that people are very sensitive to their neighbourhoods and, with COVID fatigue, everyone’s on edge.
“I just feel that when we can get out and get more information (and) more education in front of people, people may disagree with you but at least they’ve been heard,” said Masters.
Three councillors voted against the rapid housing project taking the next steps: Landon Mohl, Terina Shaw and Lori Bresciani.
The recommendations that were approved were to approve the land transfer and remaining capital funding to Silver Sage Holdings Ltd., one of the groups involved in the development.
Council also voted to delegate responsibility to administration to negotiate the sale agreement for the land transfer, and to negotiate and approve a 21-year operating agreement for the project with Silver Sage Holdings Ltd.
The rapid housing project will include 29 units that will include on-site programming to help people trying to transition out of homelessness. A good chunk of the money for the project is coming from the federal and provincial governments.
The housing unit is expected to be open and operational by the end of the year.
