A rumour on social media that Coun. Bill McNulty said the city had decided on an alternative location for the 7300 Elmbridge Way homeless housing project is untrue, according to McNulty.
Last week, Richmond resident and former council candidate, Peter Liu, broadcast on WeChat that McNulty told him, “after his (McNulty) opposition, persistence and internal coordination, the government has asked staff to select another location to build a permanent residence for homeless people.”
"McNulty is the only councillor who has voiced against the temporary housing for homeless on 7300 Elmbridge Way," wrote Liu.
The message has been shared widely, especially among those opposing the project.
McNulty told the Richmond News that he did not know about the rumour, "which is not true," and he had no idea who put that up on social media.
"I have said I am looking for an alternative; I'm going to recommend we look into all places. But I didn't talk to the government on that because we are still consulting," said McNulty.
"I have told people what my feelings are, and my point of view is public, but I'm not interfering with the process.
"'I' am looking for another location, not 'we'. I can't speak for council."
However, Liu insisted that he did receive a call from McNulty on the city's decision to change the location, during an interview with Chinese newspaper Sing Tao.
"City councillors are not in a position to disclose to the media that the city government has chosen another site. It can only be officially announced after the city council meeting," said Liu to Sing Tao.
When approached by the News, Liu said he didn't want to comment any more on the case.
Ted Townsend, spokesperson for the city, said he is aware of the rumour and hopes to clarify that the city has not made such plans or decision.
“The suggestion that the city has already chosen a second site for another modular housing project is completely untrue. No such plans or decision have been made,” said Townsend in an email.
He said a final decision on the project will be made at a public council meeting, and that additional consultation prior to that time is also on the way.
Last month, the city announced plans to contribute city-owned land at 7300 Elmbridge Way for a B.C. Housing-proposed temporary modular housing project, which will provide 40 units for homeless people in the Richmond.
Hundreds of residents in the area have expressed strong opposition to having the project built in their neighbourhood.
