By Curtis Galbraith

Community

Grande Spirit Foundation talks about new housing idea at city council

Apr 19, 2023 | 6:00 AM

The Grande Spirit Foundation brought an idea for new housing in the Smith subdivision of Grande Prairie to city council’s meeting on Monday. This was part of the discussion around a new location for a soccer dome.

The group says the idea is for two buildings that would each be four storeys high. They would hold a total of 160 units.

Foundation board chair Judy Kokotilo-Bekkerus says they are hoping city hall will still consider vacant land in Smith for housing. She says that land was purchased with money from the sale of duplexes that were used for social housing.

“Then, this was allocated to (the) Grande Spirit (Foundation) for housing. Since that time, the city had looked at taking a piece out for the recreation facility. Council has the opportunity to do that. It was not titled to us; it was just an allocation.”

Kokotilo-Bekkerus says that because the Smith land is serviced; a project in Smith could happen sooner.

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She adds the city has promised land for a housing project but where it will be hasn’t been decided.

“Once that land is designated for housing, then we will enter into a partnership with those developers and build housing there. We’re much closer than we ever were before.”

Mayor Jackie Clayton says she is not convinced that the Smith area is the right spot for such a development.

“Personally, I think that Smith is a great multi-family site. I don’t think it’s a great seniors site. I think (for) seniors, proximity to a grocery store or amenities could be better served in other areas of our community.”

“(We) will do our due diligence and explore other opportunities as well.”

The Foundation currently has 558 approved applicants on a waitlist for housing.

Kokotilo-Bekkerus says 95 per cent of those live inside Grande Prairie and that a needs assessment by the city has found that 1,100 units will be needed by 2030.

Smith residents who spoke to council in opposition to the soccer dome coming to their neighbourhood also spoke in favour of housing coming to their area.