EDMONTON -- The City of Edmonton is looking at rezoning green space in the Evansdale neighbourhood to facilitate the construction of up to 21 tiny homes for homeless veterans.

The Homes for Heroes Foundation submitted the rezoning application to the city, asking to have the agricultural zoning changed to Site Specific Development Control Provision (DC2).

On Wednesday evening, the city hosted a public hearing about the rezoning from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Evansdale Community League.

The engagement session provided more information for those living in the area, and also welcomed feedback from residents.

“This will help create that transitional supportive housing that starts to enable soldiers to get back on their feet and get them back into permanent housing,” said Malcolm Bruce.

Bruce, a Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) Foundation Trustee, and veteran himself, says community support is necessary for the project to succeed.

“I’m really hopeful that the community will embrace this,” said Bruce. “I think, quite frankly, the army embraces the community and we’d like to see that reciprocated.”

Evansdale resident Pat Stein is against the rezoning, and has created a petition that has over 80 signatures from other residents.

“The residents that have signed the petition against the rezoning feel that the Homes for Heroes and the city can provide a better spot, not just some orphaned piece of land that’s flanked by three sides of roadway,” said Stein.

Last year there were 76 crashes at that intersection, said Stein, about 35 of those requiring ambulance.

She says she and the other residents that signed the petition believe the veterans deserve better than the “island” of land Homes for Heroes is trying to rezone.

“We think the concept is tremendous and the veterans do deserve special help, but it’s just that site location, and I have a hard time believing that that location is the only location that his close to the services that the veterans require.”

A block and a half away is a plot of land that Stein says has been vacant for decades and would be a great location, but she believes it’s owned by the Public School Board.

“I’m wondering why Homes for Heroes or somebody didn’t approach the Public School Board to see if they’d be willing to donate or work some kind of deal out for that land,” said Stein.

The feedback collected at the session will be reviewed by Edmonton city council before the proposal goes to a public hearing for a decision.

According to Homes for Heroes' website, each home is under 300 square feet but comes equipped with a kitchen, bathroom and Murphy bed.