Vernon councillor to request an assessment of supportive housing and other projects
A Vernon City Councillor will ask that an assessment be done on the existing supportive housing and barrier free projects in the downtown core.
Coun. Kari Gares was to put forward a notice of motion Monday, March 10, but at that meeting announced that she would like it pushed back to the next meeting.
In her rationale, included in Monday’s agenda, Gares said while the city remained committed to supporting vulnerable people, they must also acknowledge the concerns of residents and businesses in the area involving the unhoused, people with mental health challenges, and people struggling with addiction.
“While these services are essential, their concentration within our city can bring unintended consequences such as increased public disorder, pressure on emergency services, and a decline in neighborhood livability and property values,” Gares said in her rationale. She noted that while the city took action, including purchasing public washrooms, and boosting police, fire and bylaw funding to have more patrols in the downtown core, there were still many reports of people in the area feeling impacted.
