For a few weeks people in South Surrey have protested a housing project the BC Government has mandated Surrey build. It would consist of 260 new homes on two lots located at 19th Ave & 152nd Street in South Surrey. The mixed-use development would include:
- 200 affordable studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes
- 40 supportive studio homes
- 20 homes with Complex Care Housing
The protesters were not opposing affordable homes, but the supportive homes and complex care housing in an area very close to a school and park. This site would allow on-site drug use in a residential area. 7,000 people signed a petition and protests were held for the last few weeks. They were opening the council meeting for the residents to have a say, but that was taken away as they said "it's a provincial mandate"!
Last night before the city council meeting as you can see by the picture above, many people went to the city hall to protest. I didn't go to the meeting but a Facebook poster did and here is what she said about the council meeting last night:
Today was an important day for the citizens of Surrey as they used their voices, a basic principle of democracy, to speak out against a housing project they did not want in their community.
And their voices were heard by Mayor Locke and Council who voted unanimously to reject the project.
As I sat, front and centre, and listened to our Mayor and each one of the Counsellors, I was so proud and impressed. Brenda emphatically disproved the allegations, made by lesser people vying to replace her (ain't gonna happen), including former Mayor McCallum, that she was trying to push through a "drug den". I know Brenda Locke and, while absolutely committed to supporting our marginalized population to pursuit a better life, she listens to her constituents and she possesses a moral compass, second to none.
This housing project, proposed for South Surrey, is being pushed upon our city by the Province. Their recipe for harm-reduction, safe-supply, low-barrier housing has not worked.
All government resources should go towards abstinence-based recovery. It is truly the best, most compassionate and effective response. RECOVERY WORKS.
Bravo to our Mayor, her Council and the citizens who stood up in peaceful protest.
