The Elizabeth Fry Society hopes to begin construction on a new housing complex for women and children escaping domestic abuse later this year.
On Monday night, city council approved three zoning variances to pave the way for construction to begin on the complex, located at 2855 14th Avenue – an L-shaped vacant lot behind Studio 2880.
"There are 38 units all together: one transition house, 16 second-stage housing units and 21 townhomes with women-led tenancy," Prince George and District Elizabeth Fry Society executive director Kathi Heim said. "We're still hopeful for a groundbreaking late spring, early summer. That would put us for a late fall completion next year – 2021."
However, Heim said those plans may have to change in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
In a report to city council, Anthony Boni of Boni Maddison Architects said the goal of the project is to provide supportive housing to women and children needing different levels of support.
"The women’s transition house will provide 18 beds and be staffed 24/7 to provide safe, short-term shelter and supports – typically for 30 days for women and children fleeing violence," Boni wrote. "The living environment is cooperative and communal."
The 16 units of second-stage housing will provide safe, short-term housing for individual women and mothers with children leaving abusive situations for up to 18 months, he wrote.
"This project also includes new affordable, women led tenancy, rental housing in the development of 21 units of townhouses," Boni wrote. "This housing is for individual women, and women with children ready to move on to more permanent homes for a long term stay in a safe, affordable and supportive environment while remaining connected to their community."
The second-stage housing will offer a mix of studio, two- and three-bedroom apartments, while the townhouses will be a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units.
The three variances approved by city council allow the transition house and second-stage housing building to be 13.2 metres high, instead of the 12 metres permitted under the zoning; allow the building setback from the property line to be reduced to one metre from three metres on the eastern side of the property that faces an alley; and reduce the required number of parking stalls from 61 to 45.
"This project is a long time in the planning," Coun. Murray Krause said. "We can all appreciate, or I can at least, that E. Fry is a well-respected housing provider."
Coun. Susan Scott said the Elizabeth Fry Society has a long, positive history in the city and she has complete faith in their ability to run the facility.
"I think this is going to be a welcome housing opportunity in our city," Coun. Terri McConnachie said.
Coun. Cori Ramsay said she expects reducing the parking requirement won't create a problem in the area because the families needing supportive housing are less likely to own vehicles, or multiple vehicles.
"The timing couldn't be better, given this crisis," Coun. Garth Frizzell said.
The only feedback at the public hearing came in an email from Freeman Street resident Ron Powar who was opposed to the variances being approved.
"These units already look directly into my back yard and I do not want them any taller, also if allowed to have a set back of only 1 meter it would only amplify the issue," Powar wrote. "Parking needs to remain at 61 spaces so people do not block alley and streets, especially during winter months for snow plowing. I built this house in 1975 and still live there and I hope council will respect the requests of us long term residents of this area."
