Consultation Next Step in Development of Friendship Lodge

Monday, August 27, 2007 09:26 PM

Architectural rendering of Friendship Lodge planned for the site that was home to the Backpacker Motel on Queensway

The Friendship Lodge is one step closer to a rezoning public hearing.

It has been more than two years since the announcement was made that there would be a facility developed in Prince George for the homeless.

This evening, Prince George City Council has approved first and second reading of the rezoning application that would allow the construction of the three storey Friendship Lodge on Queensway at 17^th. That is the site of the former Backpacker Motel.

Councilor Don Zurowski started off the discussion by making it very clear that his wife is employed by BC Housing, but, her employment is not connected with this project, and he will continue to "Do what I have been elected to do." and that is to sit in the Council Chambers on this matter.

The construction of the facility, aimed at giving the homeless a chance to turn their lives around. The facility will offer on site support.

Many neighbouring residents are opposed to the facility. They are concerned their neighbourhood, which is already struggling with the presence of drugs and prostitution, willsee further problems.

Normally, a rezoning public hearing takes place at the Council meeting following the first two readings. This particular application requires a great deal of public consultation. That will happen within the next month, and a public hearing will take place after that public consultation. Development Services Dan Milburn says that means the item will come up for public hearing early this fall.

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Posted on Monday, August 27, 2007 09:26 PM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: southfortguy on August 28 2007 8:27 AM

What a great addition to Queensway and the area...I hope this project does the area well.

Posted by: Chester on August 28 2007 8:29 PM

Who is funding this project? Who will be managing it? Chester

Posted by: Andyfreeze on August 29 2007 8:06 AM

Consultation?
Why bother...it's a done deal and we know it!
Do we really think enough opposition would veto it?
Not a chance.

Posted by: metalman on August 30 2007 8:53 AM

Who is funding this project??? Are you serious Chester? No matter what the smoke and mirrors show, it is the taxpayers who fund this kind of crap. The native Indian minority is the beneficiary of this latest munifisence. They sure get a lot of attention and tax dollars for what some people did a long time ago, before any of us were born. It is the opposite of being born rich, we taxpayers are born with a never ending debt to the Indians. I was not born or raised predjudiced however, let me assure you I am not! It is a weak kneed government and cunning lawyers (suppose lawyers make any money from land claims?) who allow this problem to perpetuate. Make the settlement deals now, make them final, let's all move on as equals.
metalman.

Posted by: bitter on August 30 2007 9:27 PM

You are right Andyfreeze this is a done deal , but guess what the neighbourhood is still going to fight it the best we can.In my opinion there are Four council members with a conflict of interest and we will see who is honest and who isn't .It's time council started listening to the people living in the areas that will be affected. Maybe we will have to name FT.George Park NEEDLE PARK, Maybe the service providers should start thinking about the saftey of the CHILDREN in the area instead of lining their own pockets. When PEDOPHILES from Ontario are sent to Prince George because we have the services I would say we all have a lot to worry about. Find another spot, turn the Backpacker into Senior Housing or Condos for the Working Poor.