Bylaw amendments would allow LHA to expand services at two facilities

By Al Beeber - Lethbridge Herald on December 13, 2022.

Herald photo by Al Beeber A request by the Lethbridge Housing Authority for a land use bylaw amendment regarding Halmrast Manor will be one of two heard today in council chambers.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDabeeber@lethbridgeherald.com

Two public hearings this afternoon at City Hall will address proposed land use bylaw amendments regarding the Castle Apartments and Halmrast Manor.

The hearings will start at 3 p.m. in council chambers.

The amendment for 215 and 221 2 Ave. S. is to allow Lethbridge Housing Authority to expand on services offered at the two buildings. The same reason is listed for the amendment that covers Halmrast Manor at 535 8 St. S.

In a submission to council, the Planning and Design department says it supports the amendment for the Castle Apartments and is recommending council give three readings to Bylaw 6390.

In a recent interview with The Herald, LHA’s Robin James said the amendments are being sought to provide 24-hour supports for residents.

The purpose of the bylaw amendments, James said, is not to seek to use the buildings as shelters.

According to the submission to council, the two buildings consisting of the Castle Apartments are zoned Downtown Commercial and provide “affordable one-bedroom and bachelor apartments in secure buildings.”

The City says “the proposed land use bylaw amendment has the potential to contribute to alleviating some of the persistent issues the community is facing with homelessness and affordable housing as called for in the Municipal Housing Strategy.”

Bylaw 6391, regarding Halmrast Manor at 5345 8 St. S., like Bylaw 6390 is to change designation of the property from Downtown Commercial to Direct Control.

The City has received numerous correspondence about both proposed amendments, many of them from business operators opposed to them.

One business operator said the zoning change to the Castle Apartments could cause more harm adding it will further jeopardize the safety of staff and customers.

The person states in a letter that the business has endured break-ins, numerous needles have been left lying around, there’s been excrement at the back door, thefts and abandoned clothing left on premises.

Operators of several nearby restaurants have also expressed concern about the rezoning including the national property manager of a national chain.

The owner of one stated “having direct control gives Lethbridge Housing the freedom to put in place anything they see fit such as an emergency shelter which is our Number One concern.”

One business operator wants the City to approve 6390 “to ensure this structure is used as a temporary shelter…it is untenable that the city allows homelessness to exist as a social issue in Lethbridge.”

One letter from a business near Halmrast Manor states “the occupants of our building are in constant fear of their vehicles being vandalized and personal harm coming to them at any time of day which worsens as the number of crimes committed around our building continue to accrue with unnerving regularity. The last thing downtown needs is another hub for activity like the safe consumption site was. The Downtown BRZ has invested serious money in an attempt to revitalize our downtown area and creating new shelters directly in the downtown area is going to drive away residents and customers of businesses because they fear for their safety.”

James told The Herald “what we’re trying to do with the supportive housing is we’re trying to create a safe space for people and allow them the ability to have someone at the front door” who can refuse entry to unauthorized people who are trying to stay for lengthy periods in units with family or others. This door person could help these people start going through their own process of intake, she said.

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