Westview Ratepayers Society (WRS) is urging City of Powell River councillors to make a stipulation for security requirements in relation to the issuance of an extreme weather shelter at the Community Resource Centre on Joyce Avenue.
According to correspondence received at the city committee of the whole meeting on December 19, WRS president Rick Craig stated that in the society’s view, it would be unfair and improper to issue an extreme weather shelter permit that does not address concerns raised by neighbouring dentist Dr. Ashok Varma and others.
“The board of WRS has been following the discussions regarding the issuance of an extreme weather shelter permit to Lift [Community Services],” stated Craig. “In discussing an issue such as this, we are of the view that the city has to ask and address two questions: what is the benefit of issuing the permit and what is the impact that will result?”
Craig stated in the society’s view, the answer to the first question is clear. He stated there are people living in Powell River who need an extreme weather shelter to go to when the weather turns bad.
“We commend Lift for offering this service,” stated Craig. “The second question deals with impact. If the existing shelter and the proposed extreme weather shelter are going to create any negative impacts on local neighbours, and there is evidence to indicate that this could be the case, then council must address the issue of this potential impact when a decision is made on the permit.”
Craig stated that Varma and the original council report on the temporary use permit indicated that security should be provided.
“It is our view that a permit should be issued, but that the permit should indicate that overnight security is a requirement of delivering the service,” stated Craig. “To do otherwise would be to put some members of our community at risk and council has been elected to identify and address the issues of all residents.
“Overnight security will involve a cost and this cost should be covered as a regular part of the service by Lift. Lift has the resources and contacts to ensure this can happen going forward.”
City councillors did not comment on the correspondence, but voted to receive it.
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