A crane was this week lifting pieces of Richmond’s controversial temporary modular housing project into place on Elmbridge and Alderbridge ways.
The project – which sparked mass outrage among local residents – is now only a few weeks away from completion.
Richmond city council approved the development of the temporary modular housing units last May, after 10 hours of dialogue, which spanned two contentious meetings of approximately 80 delegations - all sharing their thoughts.
The proposed project will include 40 units with shared amenities for its residents.
The site’s preparation and the relocation of an off-leash dog park took place earlier this year.
Landscaping is expected to be completed in March and adjacent, long-term off-leash dog park is expected to be completed by April.
The 7300 Concern Group, a group consisting of hundreds of neighbours who have been protesting the project, said last year they respected council’s decision but hoped the city will ensure the safety of the neighbourhood “as promised.”
David Shao, a spokesperson for the 7300 Concern Group, said residents are “…still concerned about safety risks in the neighbourhood. For example, we don’t want to see people taking drugs in the area or to find needles on the ground.
“We residents will continue to pay attention to, and monitor, safety in this community. We also hope council and city staff will keep their promise to ensure safety in this neighbourhood.
“If there is no negative impact to the nearby community after the modular housing has been built, we will be very happy about the project because it has helped people in need.”
In 2017, the Homelessness Count estimated that at least 70 Richmond residents are homeless, which is an 84 per cent increase compared to 2014.
However, according to Richmond-based service providers, the total number of homeless individuals exceeds 120.
With a file from Alyse Kotyk/Richmond News
