ST. PAUL - The first reading of a bylaw that could see a residence at 5130-45 Avenue rezoned from Residential Medium Density District (R2) to Institutional District (I) was approved on Jan. 22, which means a public hearing regarding the proposed rezoning will take place in February.
"This application was received complete on Dec. 22, 2023 submitted by Mannawanis Native Friendship Centre (MNFC) to rezone this parcel to enable transitional housing on the property," according to information presented to Town council. "Specifically, this use in the Land Use Bylaw is called 'Supportive Living Facility'."
On Jan. 8, during a public hearing to amend the Town's Land Use Bylaw to simplify the process for a proposed rebuild of Sunnyside Manor and Heritage Homes, a seniors' lodge in St. Paul, and to also meet requirements for a possible multi-million dollar grant, several residents showed up to speak against the proposed transitional housing instead.
Mayor Maureen Miller reiterated numerous times throughout the public hearing that the changes to the LUB were not a result of the proposed project by the MNFC, and encouraged residents to come back if the rezoning at 5130-45 Avenue moved forward.
The MNFC did hold an open house in October 2023, letting people know about the project, which would see the residence converted to a 12-bed facility.
In June 2023, MNFC Executive Director Hinano Rosa spoke to Town council about the project, describing it as a transitional housing project to support low-risk individuals.
Clients would have to be deemed "low-risk" and would be leaving treatment facilities. The facility would be staffed 24 hours a day, and a social worker, mental health worker, and addictions worker would be available to clients, heard council at the time.
In order for a public hearing to be held to hear feedback from residents and others who are affected both positively or negatively by the rezoning, first reading of the rezoning bylaw must be approved. Administration recommended council approve first reading to begin the official process of seeking public input.
Miller noted that if council were to deny first reading of the bylaw, it would halt the process and council would not be able to hear from either side involved.
Town of St. Paul CAO Steven Jeffery noted that denying first reading could put the municipality at risk, legally.
First reading of the bylaw was carried, with Mayor Miller, Coun. Nathan Taylor, Coun. Brad Eamon, and Coun. Rob Boisvert voting in favour. Councillors Sid Sood, Norm Noel and Gary Ward did not vote in favour.
Following the vote, Taylor expressed that he would like more information regarding how the Town could be put at risk if first reading had been denied. That information is expected to be presented at the Feb. 12 meeting, when a public hearing will also be scheduled to take place.
