Fredericton Ministers Grilled Over Controversial Homeless Housing Plan

UPDATE: Tensions soared in Fredericton as over 100 residents confronted provincial ministers for nearly three hours regarding a newly announced homeless housing project. The meeting took place on October 4, 2023, at a local elementary school, where community members expressed outrage over what they viewed as insufficient consultation on the placement of the 24-unit transitional housing development on Forest Hill Road.

The session quickly escalated after Green Party MLA David Coon called the ministers to address the packed gymnasium. What began as an informational event transformed into a heated dialogue, with many attendees questioning the legitimacy of the meeting since the location had already been chosen. “The location itself is not what’s being debated,” stated Housing Minister David Hickey, only to be interrupted by jeers from the crowd.

Concerns were primarily focused on the development’s proximity to the school, located just 300 meters away. “I don’t feel safe sending my son to this school, knowing your building is right there,” a concerned parent shouted, capturing the anxiety felt by many in attendance. Parents clutched their children while expressing alarm over potential safety issues, including drug needles found on playgrounds.

Despite the uproar, Hickey and Social Development Minister Cindy Miles assured attendees that security measures would be in place, stating that security could be hired to sweep the school property daily. However, Hickey later revealed that the school district had not been consulted regarding the project, further fueling discontent among the crowd.

The housing initiative, spearheaded by Marcel LeBrun of 12 Neighbours, aims to provide stable housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. LeBrun stated that the units are expected to be completed by January 1, 2024, and emphasized the project’s goal of transitioning residents to permanent housing. “Our job is to get you out of there,” LeBrun asserted, clarifying that the housing is temporary and that residents would not be allowed guests.

Hickey faced continued backlash when he claimed the province had consulted neighbors near the site. He later admitted that the consultation radius could have been improved. “We did ask, they did not tell us,” remarked Coun. Greg Ericson, who was present at the meeting.

Mayor Kate Rogers defended the decision-making process, explaining that the site is owned by the province and properly zoned. “Minister Miles called me one day and said we have identified a site… we think it might be the solution,” she noted, which incited further groans from the audience.

Even supporters of the housing initiative acknowledged the lack of communication from the government. Nearby resident Mark Bray, who backs the project, criticized the government for failing to adequately inform the community. “Communication is really, really important… that was dropped completely by the government,” he said, highlighting the emotional distress felt by many.

As the meeting concluded, the ministers promised to release details on approximately 20 other rejected locations for the housing project, aiming to address community concerns and restore trust.

NEXT: The community is closely monitoring developments as further details about the housing project are expected to be released. Residents await a response from officials regarding the future of the Forest Hill Road location and the ongoing concerns surrounding safety and consultation.