A rezoning application for a youth home in 100 Mile House has been rejected by the District Council.
Mayor Maureen Pinkney says there has many concerns over what would be done with the property at 721 Cariboo Trail. There was a public hearing after misinformation was spread that the property was going to be a halfway house. Others had concerns of what children would be brought into the home, and if the property was close enough to community necessities for the children to have well balanced lives.
“It posed a bit of uncertainty of what would actually go on the property,” says Pinkney. “It was deemed that a more senior residential area was probably not the proper location for that to be placed in.”
Pinkney says it’s has “not been an easy decision” to make. The District currently does not have a youth home or care facility. Many residents were in support of a youth home being built within the town.
Ultimately, the decision came to that the location was not the most suitable place for a youth service.
“We have a few area that now that people understand what they [Children Matter] are proposing I think they would not see as much opposition. These youth need an opportunity to be included in our community. To be in a more youth friendly atmosphere, and closer to those recreation things that might interest them.”
District Council and Children Matter Community Services will continue to look into other locations.
Pinkney adds the District now has time to look into and incorporate rezoning amendments to their Official Community Plan for a youth home, or other low income housing needs, in areas that are better suited.
She assures the District will notifity the public on when hearings and council sessions will be held for any amendments.
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