By Allan Bolstad
Civics Director
The Mustard Seed Society intends to open a temporary homeless shelter on Monday, Nov. 2, 2020 at 9935 75 Ave. in West Ritchie. The building is a former machine shop/warehouse that is owned and now being leased by CESSCO Fabrication and Engineering Ltd.
Although the Ritchie Community League was never notified about this development, we immediately looked into the matter when we heard it had been approved by the City of Edmonton. We have been told that it will house approximately 100 adult men and women in very basic accommodations (mats on the floor) with washrooms and showers provided in portable trailers now stationed on the site.
The city administration has provided The Mustard Seed with a Special Event Development Permit, which was specifically tailored to allow this kind of a facility. The permit expires in six months.
We have been told by the city’s housing branch that it took this unusual step to try to open up much needed space prior to the onset of winter. The supply of shelter space for homeless people has been severely compromised by the COVID-19 pandemic, where the need for physical spacing has significantly reduced the capacity of existing shelters.
Recognizing the industrial nature of this location and the relative lack of services for its residents, the city does not believe this site is an appropriate location for a permanent facility. Should the Mustard Seed want to operate the shelter beyond the next six months, it will need to have the site rezoned, a process which involves significant community consultation and could easily take a year to complete.
In response to the interest shown by league members, area residents and local businesses, Ritchie Community League is planning to hold an online information session for anyone who would like to hear more about this project and provide their comments. A representative of the Mustard Seed and the City’s Housing and Homeless branch will be joining us. It has been tentatively set for the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020.
Please check the league website and social media pages for further details.