'Problematic decision': Permit board revokes Boyle Street application for new downtown location
Boyle Street Community Services say a city tribunal has revoked the development permit for its new headquarters and service centre.
The King Thunderbird Centre will replace Boyle Street's current aging facility to provide health services and drop-in support to people experiencing homelessness while incorporating Indigenous cultural programming.
That location is just two blocks north of their current site, a former banana ripening warehouse converted into a social support agency hub.
The Subdivision Appeal Board (SDAB) is an independent tribunal established by city council to hear appeals related to subdivision applications, development permits and enforcement orders.
While Boyle Street was informed of the decision Friday, the SDAB decision has not been released publicly as of publication.
The hearing happened on Nov. 10, and according to the hearing agenda and index, 15 different appellants advised the SDAB about their opposition to the new Boyle Street location.
Many of the appellants said the zoning class Boyle Street applied for its development permit did not sufficiently encompass the range of services the site will house.
"The types of operations Boyle Street offers are not compatible with the expectations of a commercial business district," said one appellant.
Jordan Reiniger, Boyle Street Community Services executive director, says it is "extremely disappointed" by the SDAB's "problematic decision."
The facility has already invested $8 million into buying, designing and renovating the new centre. Boyle Street has also fundraised $22.5 million of the total $28.5 million cost.
"Fundamentally, the zoning that we had applied for was the same zoning that we've operated under in this facility for many, many years," Reiniger said. "We felt very strong about the merits of our application because of all the due diligence we had done."
Jordan Reiniger, Boyle Street Community Services executive director, speaks with media on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022 (CTV News Edmonton/Jeremy Thompson).
Some of the named appellants include the following:
- Chinatown and Area Business Association;
- Chinese Benevolent Association of Edmonton;
- Fukienese Association of Alberta;
- Ukrainian National Federation;
- Central McDougall Community League;
- Victoria School of the Arts Parents Coalition; and
- McCauley Community League.
The McCauley Community League noted in its application that it opposes the development in part because similar social service agencies in the downtown core use proper zoning conventions, like the Hope Mission and Herb Jamieson Centre.
"The use class has been misrepresented," the community league said. "Boyle Street currently operates, and proposes to operate, a drop-in centre or day shelter. The application is limited to medical services and professional services. It does not include that of a drop in centre or day shelter."
Others believe the new location for the community support centre will harm their organization or business operations.
Reiniger said Boyle Street is still reviewing its options to respond, saying the SDAB decision is only a "road bump."
"We have a lot of options in front of us," he added. "So this project is not dead. We are going to continue to push forward with it, and we have some really strong partners that continue to support us as we do that."
But the permit appeal now sets back the facility's anticipated opening date next year.
"What's troubling about that is that everybody sees the need that's out here right now," Reiniger added. "The challenge that we are having with people experiencing homelessness on the streets of Edmonton and in the core and the King Thunderbird Centre is a solution to a lot of those challenges.
"The longer the delay is, the more problematic it is for the folks that are here on the street that are most at risk."
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Jeremy Thompson and Nahreman Issa
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.