Date set for public hearing on controversial Kelowna housing project

KELOWNA – A special public hearing will be held just for the controversial Agassiz supportive housing project in Kelowna.

City council has agreed to hold the hearing on rezoning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17 in council chambers, rather than combine it with a number of other items at its regular Jan. 15 public hearing session.

Agassiz is a proposed 52-unit housing complex that B.C. Housing wants to build on Agassiz Road just south of Orchard Plaza. Since it’s a supportive housing project — if it’s approved — residents will be able to consume drugs and alcohol on site.

Nearby residents have objected to the project, saying the neighbourhood is too dense and many of the people living nearby are elderly women who fear for their safety.

There had been an earlier suggestion that the public hearing be held in a larger venue. City clerk Stephen Fleming told council that two previous information sessions drew 120 and 220 participants so the 160-seat council chambers should be adequate.

Following on a suggestion from Coun. Luke Stack, a list of speakers will be compiled beforehand so people will have the option of arriving later in the evening.

A decision is expected to be made by council immediately after the public hearing concludes.

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