ADDICT HOUSING PLAN'S CRITICS OUTNUMBER SUPPORTERS

An addict housing complex will either hasten downtown's decline or be
a hallmark of Kelowna's compassion, city councillors heard Monday.

Starkly different views on the likely impact of the 30-suite
apartment block were offered by two dozen speakers.

Critics, who outnumbered supporters two to one, warned the complex
would increase crime, force businesses to relocate and deter investment.

"The downtown is finally growing. Don't let it be severely impacted
in a negative way by approving this project," James Ramsay, a
downtown banker, told councillors.

Richard Berlin, whose family owns a downtown block that includes the
Bargain Store, said his plans for an $80-million redevelopment would
be jeopardized if council approves the addict housing block.

"And any business that can leave the area will. Anyone who can break
their lease will," Berlin predicted.

"This project stands a very good chance of seriously compromising our
cherished vision of a revitalized downtown for many years to come,"
said Michael Neill, owner of Mosaic Books.

However, supporters of the controversial project said it was needed
to provide housing assistance to people struggling with homelessness
and addiction problems.

"Council should take the daring step to care for people that many
citizens would rather shun," said Ian Graham, chairman of a
homelessness committee.

Brad Dunlop, who sat on a city task force that recommended the
project be located in the 1300 block of St. Paul Street, said it was
critical to go ahead with the apartment block.

"There is a great need for a project of this magnitude," he said. "To
ignore the problem and let it fester, that's not a desirable option."
Thirteen people spoke against the project while six supported it, and
passions sometimes ran high.

"If this building goes on St. Paul, I believe that you will have
kicked in the teeth every business owner, employee and senior in
downtown Kelowna," said Darlene Ramsay.

The building would have 30 suites, to be occupied by homeless people
or drug addicts. It's described as a wet facility, which means
residents would be able to keep using drugs so long as they're
committed to a treatment program.

That aspect drew criticism from several speakers.

"I'm not in favour of enabling drug addicts to keep hurting
themselves," said Theresa Shaver.

The proposed location was criticized by lawyer Joe Gordon, who noted
the downtown core has a well-publicized drug problem and suggested it
wasn't the right spot for a building to house people trying to beat
their addictions.

"Would you hold an AA meeting in a bar? Would you hold a Weight
Watchers meeting in a bakery? Of course not; it wouldn't make common
sense," Gordon said.

However, in her presentation, Shannon Lovell said providing addicts
with housing was an important first step toward treatment.

"It's much easier to help someone make better choices if they have
their basic need of housing taken care of," Lovell said.

Randy Benson, executive director of the Gospel Mission, agreed that
having stable housing would help addicts "walk the road to recovery."

Council will decide April 24 whether to reaffirm a decision last fall
to locate the addict housing complex on St. Paul.