Mayor suggests using old library for housing
As Saanich council debates how to resolve the deadlock between Regina Park campers who say they have nowhere to go and nearby residents who say they fear for their safety, Mayor Richard Atwell is proposing that B.C. Housing look at the old Emily Carr library as a possible supportive housing facility.
Saanich council had already approved that the vacant library be used as overflow office space for Saanich employees while the municipal hall undergoes renovations. But Atwell said this is an inefficient use of the space and does nothing to offer solutions to the region’s housing crisis. “My conscience is pushing this forward, saying we must look at it as an option,” Atwell told councillors last week after making the proposal.
Four councillors voted against the move and three councillors were absent. Coun. Fred Haynes said councillors did not have time to gather the facts or feedback from stakeholders on the feasibility of using that site for supportive housing. Haynes said that doesn’t mean the old library is off the table, but more research and consultation needs to be done first.
“Council is ready to work together with the mayor to bring the best solution possible for this situation,” Haynes said. “Specifically to Emily Carr, that is an opportunity to think creatively about land use that could possibly be considered for certain kinds of non-market housing.”
The former library, at 3500 Blanshard Street is sandwiched between Saanich Plaza which houses Save-on-Foods, and Munro Centre, which houses offices overlooking Saanich Road.
The Saanich-owned library has been vacant for more than four years, since the library moved to its new Uptown location across the street.
Victoria Shannon, president of Hansbraun Investments which owns Saanich Plaza and Munro Centre, said it was a “punch in the gut” to hear Atwell propose the former library as affordable housing without consulting the neighbouring property owner.
The company had a meeting last week with Saanich police to raise concerns about aggressive panhandling from people believed to live at tent city, Shannon said.
“Save-on-Foods said they’ve had to hire their own security,” she said. “I had to have a meeting with our staff who said they don’t feel safe at work because they are being aggressively confronted by people.”
Shannon said while she completely understands the urgency around finding housing options for tent city residents, a supportive housing facility at the old library would be “a safety concern and a business concern.”
Shannon said the developer has been working with Saanich officials for two years to come up with a plan for a residential and commercial redevelopment at Gateway Village across from the Saanich municipal hall. “It’s a complete departure from the conversation we’ve been having,” said Shannon, who added that the company has been trying to buy the old library from Saanich for years.
Atwell intends to re-introduce the motion to council. It will be debated at the July 9 meeting.