Recovery Centre Public Hearing Likely in 2 Weeks
Prince George, B.C.- The proposal for a women’s recovery centre in the former Haldi Road school is seeing another delay as Prince George City council rescinded 2nd reading of the rezoning application in order to change the definition of “ Community Care Facility therapeutic “.
The new definition is “Community Care Facility, Therapeutic: A facility for the supportive residential care of up to 30 persons who receive care or support primarily related to substance dependence, mental health issues or both.”
Councillor Brian Skakun suggested the best thing that could be done about this proposal would be to defeat second reading and have City Staff work with the proponent to find a different site for the recovery centre. He pointed out the proposal has been in the works since 2011, and saw the Haldi Road residents take the City to court, and win their case against the rezoning.
“This has gone for so long, we should have done a better job of dotting our i’s and crossing our t’s” said Skakun. He opposed rescinding the 2nd reading . “I’m frustrated” he said, I feel we are just spinning our wheels. The Haldi Road folks have taken the City to court and won, they’ve gone through a great deal of stress. You have a proponent who is facing uncertainty because this has gone on for so long. There is no recovery centre that has been built because of this lengthy process.”
Mayor Green agreed the matter has dragged on, and everyone needs certainty. “There is no question I think everyone would like to see this decided one way or another. Staff is working on it, the applicant would like to know one way or the other, the community residents those who are in support and those who are not would like to know one way or the other and so would we, but it is what it is and I think that its appropriate to have staff bring this back as they have. It’s the necessary thing to do and the right thing to do to provide clarity on the matter. “
Council approved the revised second reading, with Councillor Skakun opposed. It is now anticipated the matter will be dealt with in a public hearing that will most likely be scheduled for the March 4th Council meeting.
Comments
There have been a number of public meetings on this issue.
The fact of the matter is, the residents of Haldi Road, do not want this facility.
The proponents tried to pull a fast one and they were caught with their hand in the cookie jar.
Time to settle the matter, and say NO.
They can easily find another location, or work with the people who proposed a centre at Hudta Lake. That’s the solution, so lets go for it.
What kind of sweat heart deal did they get from the school district for the property? Why exactly is it they are stuck on this piece of property? What is in it for the proponents that they can’t have this at any other location?
Eagleone: Where have you been? The current property owners did not buy from the school district. It has been a residence for around 10 years. When the school was bought back then by Mr. Graydon it was for around $175,000. He then sold it to a numbered company owned by Craig Woods and Brian Fehr for around $475,000.
You should be asking what sweet heart deal are the new owners getting? What is in it for Fehr and Woods…..
Council tonight could have stopped this whole thing as they did Coyotes because it went against the OCP. So… ask yourself why not…what are all these sweet deals about?
The city just passed to allow for a major change to the WHOLE city of PG. This affects you!
Yep if this passes your backyard is next!
From the outside the City appears to be corrupt exempt for Brian⦠The only thing driving this is money and who your friends are⦠If you have the cash the City will cave to youâ¦They have shown over and over they will just change the rules to satisfy you and who gives a crap about the people⦠just keep paying taxes and shut up and we will get along fineâ¦
….residential care for up to 30 persons…? Wow! Tailor made just like a suit, eh? Sure glad Haldi Rd. school couldn’t accomodate 62 persons. No to Haldi Rd. I’m sure the Haldi Rd. residents wouldn’t mind the PAC being built there instead. Need certainty? Look up “uncertainty” in the dictionary and see our city hall pictured.
There were some Haldi Road residents at council last night but no sign of the proponents. During the Supreme Court trial, the court was full of Haldi residents. The judge asked if there was anyone representing the proponents or the city. Of course there was no one. The judge replied, “typical” The Haldi Road residents care about their neighbourhood and what this new OCP amendment will mean to everyone’s neighbourhood. It appears the proponents do not. Just sit back and let the city do the work for them.
Guesswhat…go easy on Eagle :)
The planners report to the city even has the definition of previous use as a “school”
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