Pubdate: Wed, 14 Jun 2006
Source: Kelowna Capital News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006, West Partners Publishing Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.kelownacapnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1294
Author: Jennifer Smith
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

COUNCIL HAPPY WITH LEASE WORDING

The City of Kelowna has an out, should a supportive housing project 
slated to open on St. Paul Street next year prove a nuisance to the public.

On Monday councillors voted to adopt a lease agreement which the 
operator must sign in order for the facility to open. That lease 
includes a public nuisance clause that gives the city a way out, if 
the housing complex for mentally ill and addicted residents proves a 
serious problem.

"I'm quite comfortable moving forward," said Coun. Brian Given, 
pointing out the city has a number of ways of ensuring the building 
is run properly.

The project is a joint partnership between the city, B.C. Housing and 
the Interior Health Authority to provide housing and social supports 
for addicted, homeless and mentally ill residents trying to clean up 
their lives.

In line with provincial and federal harm reduction best practices for 
dealing with addiction, the new units do not allow controlled 
substances on the premises, but it is recognized that addicts may 
slip up so drugs or alcohol infractions alone will not be grounds for 
eviction unless problems persist. If there were drug problems on the 
site, the RCMP would have room to act, said Coun. Carol Gran.

The lease states tenants are limited to behaviours which are not 
"noisy, noxious, or offensive" and do not constitute "a nuisance or 
annoyance to the landlord or to any neighbouring properties."

The clause places the city in a considerable position of power, 
stated Coun. Andre Blanleil, who questioned why the IHA and B.C. 
Housing would agree to the stipulation.

A group of downtown business owners remain vehemently opposed to the 
project. After several attempts to dissuade council from pursing this 
path, the group say they are now considering legal action. "To the 
best of my knowledge a letter has been sent from our lawyers to the 
city to respond to certain inquiries regarding the St. Paul Street 
issue," said Mel Kotler, spokesperson for the group.

"Depending on the response we get, we will then decide if we will 
pursue legal action."

Kotler said their legal plans stem from a question raised by a 
Capital News reporter following the April 24 decision by council to 
approve the $4.5 million project.

Part of the funding for the St. Paul's project comes from the 
premier's task force on homelessness, mental illness and addictions, 
which is also funding the Gospel Mission move from its current Leon 
Avenue location.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom