Housing Minister Admits Poor Community Input on Fredericton Site

UPDATE: Housing Minister David Hickey has acknowledged significant shortcomings in community consultation regarding a controversial housing project in Fredericton. The announcement of a 24-unit development of tiny homes on Forest Hill Road has sparked intense backlash from local residents, who claim they were blindsided by the decision.

During a heated public meeting on Wednesday, frustrated residents expressed their concerns, highlighting that the province made its decision without sufficient public input. Hickey admitted on Information Morning Fredericton that the outreach efforts were inadequate. “The radius was not big enough for who we initially informed,” he stated, calling for better communication moving forward.

This proposed housing project, located next to the on-ramps to the Princess Margaret Bridge, is modeled after the existing 12 Neighbours community of tiny homes in Fredericton. However, local officials like Fredericton Coun. Greg Ericson revealed that even they were unaware of the development’s location until they saw land being cleared. “The community felt left behind,” Ericson said, emphasizing the need for more inclusive discussions.

Many attendees at the meeting voiced their worries about the proximity of the housing site to local schools. In response, Hickey assured residents that their concerns are being taken seriously. “We’re enhancing our security measures,” he stated, indicating a commitment to involve the school in future safety decisions.

The growing discontent over the lack of consultation underscores a larger issue of community engagement in public projects. Hickey noted that the province had previously consulted communities for other homeless shelters, but this project was expedited due to its existing zoning status, allowing for quicker implementation.

“This project had come together in the last six weeks,” Hickey explained. However, the surrounding community felt blindsided by the rapid progression. Many residents are now calling for future public meetings to ensure their voices are heard before similar projects are announced.

As the province moves forward with this development, Hickey is focused on rebuilding trust with the community. “We recognize that there should have been more done to make sure that the community felt like they were part of the process,” he stated.

With the public demanding accountability and transparency, the province faces mounting pressure to improve its outreach efforts. As the situation develops, community members are eager for updates on how their feedback will shape the future of this important housing initiative.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as both residents and officials navigate the complexities of community-led housing solutions in Fredericton.