A Richmond city councillor is questioning whether the operator of a temporary modular building is doing their job.
The temporary land-use permit for Aster Place, a 40-unit supportive home near Costco, is expiring in March, and BC Housing has asked for a three-year extension.
Coun. Carol Day, however, told city council on Wednesday she’s heard there isn’t adequate counselling staffing at Aster Place, and, at times, there isn’t adequate food because there is no chef on site.
Furthermore, she’s heard several people have been “kicked out” of the building.
Day asked city staff whether there would be a “report card” on the operator before the public hearing.
“I’d like to know what’s going on and if they’re doing as good a job as they are over at RainCity (Alderbridge temporary modular building),” she added.
City council allowed the extension to pass first reading on Wednesday, and it will come back for a public hearing on Jan. 22.
City council asked for a memo about the operations of Aster Place before the public hearing.
City council granted the temporary use permit for the lot on Smith Street and Bridgeport Road in 2021, but the building didn’t open until September 2022.
The building is operated by Community Builders.
The Richmond News has reached out to Community Builders for comment.
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