Neighbourhood opposition did not deter city council from approving a low-income housing project on the North Shore and a downtown day-care centre in two separate decisions this week. In a unanimous vote Tuesday night, council gave the nod to a 48-unit low- income housing project to be built on the site of the
Moose Hall on Fortune Drive. The John Howard Society, which already runs four facilities in Kamloops, will operate the new building. "It's not beside your house," shouted Maria Morgan, whose house is directly behind Moose Hall, as Coun. Pat Wallace explained why she supports the project. Earlier during the public meeting, Morgan said she feared for the safety of her seven-year-old son if the project was to proceed. Convicted pedophile David Caza, she pointed out, had lived in the Victory Inn, a similar facility on Halston Avenue on the North Shore.Another man, standing at the lectern with his two young daughters, was worried the housing project could attract more criminals to a neighbourhood already plagued by crime and prostitution. "If we bring more low-income people in, we'll just get ourselves deeper in the hole," he said. When asked by Mayor Terry Lake if he had read reports indicating that low-income housing don't increase crime in the neighbourhoods in which they are located, the man confirmed he had - but added that he doesn't find them credible because they are usually prepared by those who are in favour of low-income housing in residential neighbourhoods. "Can you say there aren't any criminals, or ex-criminals, living in this building?" he asked civic lawmakers. None of them answered. Others argued that a 48-unit housing project is too large for a neighbourhood comprised primarily of single-family houses. Downtown resident Nancy Bepple was one of the few to speak in favour of the project, relating the experience of her grandmother, who lives in low-income housing. "Low-income neighbours are good neighbours," she said. Dawn Hrycun, executive director of the John Howard Society, said there are about 100 people on the waiting list for the two Kamloops facilities, noting the wait can encompass up to 250 people. In explaining their decision for supporting the project, several councillors pointed to the good record of John Howard Society-operated facilities in Kamloops. Lake said society has an obligation to look after those on low-income. At the same public hearing, council - against neighbourhood objections and in a 403 vote - approved a 28-spot day-care centre for 622 St. Paul St. "Then we have to listen to 28 children screaming in a cage from seven in the morning," said a man who lives across the street from the proposed day care. The cage-like appearance, he said, would be created by the high fence surrounding the property. The resident added that a lack of parking in the area will result in "mayhem." The Children's Circle Daycare Society, which operates a 48-spot facility near the hospital, will operate the new facility. Society chairwoman Karyn Sutherland said wait lists are at least a year long. "The need will only grow," she said. Coun. Tina Lange, who lives near the St. Paul site, opposed the project, arguing it will lead to "total chaos" because drop-off spots are at the back of the building in the alley. Lange said it is an example of yet another business setting up shop in a predominantly residential neighbourhood. "Yes, it's a day care, but it's a business," she said. Councillors Joe Leong, Peter Milobar and Arjun Singh voted in favour of the proposal, as did Lake. Opposing the proposal were councillors Jim Harker, Lange and Wallace. Councillors John De Cicco and John O'Fee did not attend the public hearing.
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