Letter to the Editor

I would like to set the record straight on the misinformation floating around on social media about the homeless shelter discussion.

Conversations such as this are important, however, they must be factual. It is unfortunate that there are conversations happening based on half facts and untruths.

For example, the statement that “the Mayor and two councillors voted against the homeless shelter” is false. The vote in question was not a vote on whether to proceed with a shelter or not. In fact, it was simply a vote on the location of the shelter.

The statement that the “Mayor ignored the homelessness problem” is also false.

Here are the facts: 

There was a rezoning proposal for a property to house a temporary homeless shelter. Discussion was held on the subject of its proposed location. There had been no open discussion with BC Housing around the location and why they are looking at it. I voted against the first reading so that council could have more than three weeks to acquire information from BC Housing on their site selection criteria.

A council acting responsibly would also want to look at the action and safety plans proposed for shelters such as this one – that has not been done. This is important both for the people who need them as well as the broader community, which includes high-school students and young people utilizing the arenas close by.

For example, some shelters in B.C. come equipped with safe injection sites. If that were to be the case here my question would be, do we want that located right across the street from our high school?

In that scenario a different location for the shelter would be appropriate. However, we are now one public hearing away from reality and we now have no time to ask some of these critical questions.

I voted no to the first reading to secure the time, to source the answers to these questions on behalf of all of Cranbrook. There was no rush as there are beds available to the homeless for the winter months.

I can see from all the posts that this is an issue people feel passionate about. I am with you on that and I want to be informed when making these decisions in council chambers on your behalf.

I know I do not want to make a mistake by rushing to a decision without having all the questions answered and information present.

Let me be very clear, I wholeheartedly support a year-round shelter in the city and will be working hard to see that become a reality.

Coun. Wesly Graham,

Cranbrook

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