It's been an odd project, a housing
assessment and referral centre for the homeless in the middle of the city's
entertainment district. And it's been made even odder by the fact that it's
been on the build for more than three years. According to city staff, there
have been some structural problems with the planned smoking space on the roof.
According to Councillor Adam Vaughan, whose ward it's in, the problem is with
the city's ability to manage its capital projects.
Vaughan
says the official word is that it will be completed soon. "Officially, it's a
matter of weeks, which is usually code for a matter of months." But he says he
expects it will be finished before summer, complete with the rooftop terrace,
which he refers to approvingly as "a private amenity space, like the
condominiums in the area have," and a small public parkette in front.
The building will also house a 40-bed
shelter for single men who, according to the city's manager of partnership
development and support Patricia Anderson, "for whatever reason are reluctant
to use the emergency shelter system."
According to Vaughan, the project has cost
a little under the $10 million the federal government advanced for it, with a
little under $5 million to purchase the building and property, and about $4
million so far for its extensive renovation.
The assessment and referral service is
currently being run out of 67 Adelaide Street East while the city waits for the
completion of Peter Street.
Writer: Bert Archer
Source: Patricia Anderson, Adam Vaughan