The City of Airdrie’s Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) made a formal decision on Oct. 14 in favour of a supportive housing initiative in Big Springs that sparked some controversy among neighbouring residents last month.
“The appeals are dismissed, and the decision of the Development Authority is upheld,” read SDAB’s final decision. “A development permit will be issued.”
Sixteen appellants submitted formal complaints to the SDAB pending the board’s decision whether to approve a permit application for a supportive housing model submitted by Ever Bright Complex Needs Support Services.
SDAB conditionally approved the application for a change of land use from Single Detached Dwelling to Supportive Housing Limited on Aug. 4.
Appellants publicly voiced their concerns during a Sept. 20 appeal board meeting, remarking that the safety and security of the neighbourhood is in question given the high-risk nature of the tenants residing at the property.
Additional concerns were raised over increased vehicle traffic, noise and nuisances, and the potential effect the support residence might have on property values.
According to the document, the board found the supportive housing initiative falls within discretionary land use.
“The Board reviewed all evidence and arguments, written and verbal, submitted by the parties,” read the document. “The Board is obligated to consider the use of a proposed development based on planning principles, not the users and their potential behaviour."
The document further stated SDAB considered the context of the proposed development, sound planning considerations, the merits of the application, and all applicable legislation, plans, and policies when coming to a final decision.
“On the balance of all the evidence and submissions, the Board finds appellants did not sufficiently demonstrate that the proposed project is incompatible with or would have a detrimental impact on the surrounding neighbourhoods,” the final decision read.
“Nor did [the appellants] sufficiently demonstrate the proposed development would be inappropriate for the location and parcel,” it continued. “Nor were the appellants sufficiently able to demonstrate how the proposed development would negatively impact the adjacent residences and neighbourhood.”
The final decision states that SDAB finds the proposed development would not unduly interfere with the amenities of the neighbourhood, or materially interfere with or affect the use, enjoyment, or value of the neighbouring parcels of land.
“The Board also finds that the proposed development conforms to the use prescribed for the property in the Land Use Bylaw,” it concluded.
Currently, Airdrie has a deficit of housing types to serve vulnerable members of the community. The City's land use bylaw includes a definition of supportive housing as a type of accommodation integrated with other residential land uses in a neighbourhood context. It is a residence that provides on-site professional care and supervision to its tenants. The definition includes group homes and congregate care facilities.
When reached for additional comment, Adelegan said in a statement that Ever Bright is committed to providing an equitable and improved quality of life for people with disabilities.
“People with disability are humans like everyone else, they have been segregated for a long time and Ever Bright is advocating for them to live in the community like everyone else,” he said. “Disability does not reduce the value of our community, rather, it adds to our community as a community that accommodates and advocate for the less [privileged].
“Individuals with disabilities are people like you and me and they have the right to live wherever they chose to live. Ever Bright will continue to provide support and advocate for the less privileged individuals in our great community of Airdrie and surroundings.”
An appeal of the decision may be made to the Alberta Court of Appeal within 30 days of the date of the formal decision (Oct. 14).
