Council backs plan for new group home
John Howard Society plans to house up to 10 men in Stewart Street house that’s now offices
The John Howard Society wants to convert a large twostorey house on Stewart Street from its administrative offices into a group home, and councillors gave preliminary approval on Monday for a special zoning amendment to make it possible.
The approval was unanimous at the virtual committee meeting, but not final: a ratification vote at a council meeting is needed (the next virtual council meeting is July 27).
The house will accommodate seven to 10 men who’ve been released from jail as they transition back to community life, plus two staff supervisors who would be on-site 24 hours daily.
Coun. Keith Riel said the group home is “long overdue” in the city at a time or worsening opioid crisis.
Mayor Diane Therrien also spoke in support of the plan.
“This will be a good addition to our community and help a lot of people,” she said of the group home.
City staff recommended in a report that councillors grant a special zoning amendment — which is needed, to set up a group home of 10 people — because the home “fills a need for specialized housing in the community.”
They also recommend it because it is ideally located near downtown amenities, such as transit and social services.
City subdivision planner Brad Appleby said at the committee meeting Monday that the city received one letter of concern about the proposed group home. The letter said it could decrease area property values because people won’t want to buy or rent near a group home for ex-convicts.
But Appleby reminded councillors that the house will have 24-hour staff supervision. Planning consultant Kevin Duguay, the hired planner for the John Howard Society, said in the meeting that many group homes operate effectively in neighbourhoods.
One concerned citizen, Richard Barker, was expected to speak to councillors on Monday but was not present on the phone when it was his turn to speak.