Terwillegar residents react to proposed affordable housing project for the area

CTV Edmonton: Debate brewing over homeless housing There's a debate brewing in the Terwillegar area, over a proposal to build a 60-unit housing facility for the city's homeless.

A proposed affordable housing project, with dozens of suites, is sparking debate in a southwest Edmonton neighbourhood.

CTV News has learned the Holy Trinity Riverbend Anglican Church on 156 Street near South Terwillegar Boulevard has leased a section of land to a developer, who is planning to build a 60-unit apartment building for people who are homeless.

Councillor Bryan Anderson, who represents the area, said the project is part of the ‘Housing First’ initiative, which is focused on ending homelessness in Alberta.

“Having a place to call home is absolutely one of the first steps that has to occur to deal with homelessness,” Anderson said.

The proposal for the facility is still in the early phases, and the details are still being worked out – reaction to the project is mixed in the neighbourhood, some believed it is a good idea, while others aren’t sure about the proposed location.

Anderson said city officials and the provincial government are working together to reach a balance.

“What is eventually going to happen is going to be something the citizenry and southwest Edmonton can get behind,” Anderson said.

Anderson said public consultation on the project will begin soon.

With files from Ashley Molnar