Group homes are a community asset, according to Jordan Varey, program co-ordinator of Citizens All Association.
“Our homes blend in with their communities well. Because the homes are owned and operated by a well-organized agency, they benefit from regularly scheduled maintenance checks and are kept in excellent repair,” said Varey to council during Monday’s regular meeting. “Our staff would be able to respond quickly and appropriately should unforeseen events happen during the night in the vicinity of any of our homes.”
He gave his presentation in response to a recent proposal considered by the municipal planning commission at its Feb. 26 meeting regarding the development of two undeveloped lots for one large residential group home for 10 people with intellectual disabilities on Wellington Drive. Some residents have expressed concerns over the impact a group home might have on the surrounding properties.
“There were concerns … raised by citizens from the neighbourhood which were presented (to the commission),” said Coun. Don Mitchell. “There is certainly an argument for smaller scale facilities in terms of integration with the neighbourhood. So I think there’s a choice here … but I would move the recommendation.”
Council voted to receive and file his letter and presentation. While discussing motions from the minutes of the municipal planning commission, council approved the discretionary use application for the Type 2 residential care home at Wellington Place.
For more information, see an upcoming edition of the Times-Herald.
