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Letters: From one spot to the next

Is this a ‘take it or leave it’ location from the provincial government or did it offer options for council?
74482mapleridgeQualityInn.w
The province is in the process of acquiring the Quality Inn for use as long-term supportive housing.

Editor, The News:

Re: Homeless shelter extended (The News, March 11).

I am happy to read about the financial infusion from the provincial government investing in our ever-increasing homeless situation.

However, I question the location, validity and purpose of this proposed new site.

Is this a ‘take it or leave it’ location from the provincial government or did it offer options for council?

My guess is that council impulsively jumped at the first option presented to the province without giving the big picture a second look.

Did anyone consider the impact this will have on the commercial and residential area?

Will we now become a community closer to a resolution in managing the homeless or has council just opened up the doors more to allow outside transients to prey on the less fortunate and vulnerable?

If so, then what is the point of moving the current situation from one location to another, where accountability will once again be nonexistent and self-harm will continue to run rampant?

If council’s mission statement to the street citizens is to achieve long-term sobriety, wellness and reclaim life, then a game plan is needed that goes beyond offering a dry place to sleep.

On site intervention and counselling is paramount if sobriety is the goal.

The hardest part of sobering up is recognizing the need to alter your life to make the change and believing in yourself.

Without changing the surroundings, temptations and habits, odds are against them when it comes to overcoming addiction.

Is this newly proposed location structured for this or are we just moving the problem down the Lougheed Highway?

Todd Oliver

Maple Ridge

 

Not consulted

Editor, The News:

Re: Homeless shelter extended (The News, March 11).

I will say this until I am blue in the face,  I have nothing against the unfortunate and homeless, but why wasn’t the public consulted about the Quality Inn?

It is so close to a day care facility, an elementary and high school. Why was there no consideration toward the east end of town?

Oh, and at the last minute, when the deal is final, you’ll have a public meeting for residents who have questions?

I have a question: why not go east?  Why so secret? Did you consult the surrounding businesses?

This isn’t a new pet store you’re opening.

There are so many variables to consider instead of just trying to slam a solution on a problem.

I don’t think any of our concerns were considered here in the west of Maple Ridge.

Thanks for nothing.

Dalene Lazarenko

Maple Ridge

 

We knew it

Editor, The News:

Re: Homeless shelter extended (The News, March 11).

We knew the shelter wouldn’t close in March. Let’s extend it for another $270,000.

Meanwhile, we have the Quality Inn soon to be a run down garbage dump (remember Cliff Ave).

How about giving the people who live and work in Maple Ridge the right to vote on it. We used to have a lovely city, a pleasure to live in, but not anymore.

Nicky Chester

Maple Ridge