Over a dozen individuals met with city staff on Sept. 16 with serious concerns about a new proposed shelter for the unhoused.
A Sept. 9 landowner notification from the City of Lloydminster asked area residents for feedback on the proposed shelter.
The letters were shared on social media, and a group of citizens, including lifetime resident Tammy Wallace, rallied in opposition.
“I have parents, senior parents, that live in that neighbourhood. I have two children, which, at the age of 11 (I had) to put into a dangerous area for a school (E.S. Laird) with nothing happening on the city’s behalf,” said Wallace.
“They’ve been in lockdown three times in two weeks of school. My parents live across the street. They cannot even go over to their grandparents’ house safely in that neighbourhood.”
According to the Lloydminster Public School Division (LPSD), E.S. Laird Middle School did not have a lockdown as of Sept. 16. They also commented on the proposed development.
“LPSD maintains a strong and collaborative relationship with the city. We will review the information closely and follow the city’s outlined processes.”
Others at the meeting understood the need for a shelter. They were concerned about what was happening there now and its location. Charlotte Medlicott wants assurances the new facility will be properly managed as she doesn’t want the unhoused “just hanging around.”
“There is a need for a shelter. There are people down on their luck, but not what is going on at that facility right now,” said Medlicott.
“My friend lives directly across the road between CANSAFE and the shelter. He’s had his home for over 30 years. He watches daily and is at his wits end with everything occurring.”
Rev. Michael Stonehouse is a member of the shelter’s board. He said they had exhausted their search for a building before making this proposal.
“We would be happy to meet with people and discuss what we’re trying to do and where we’d like to go. Really, we need the help of the whole community,” said Stonehouse, who’s been on the board for over a decade.
“I mean, sure, there are concerns about the present men’s shelter and possible expansion. We understand that, but we’re between a rock and a hard place.”
From the economic development perspective, they must review letters and other correspondence until Sept. 26. Then, they have up to 90 days to make a decision.
If you have a position on the new proposal, you can share it with the City by Sept. 26.
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