Council approves Shelter Site Evaluation Matrix

In the above matrix, the sub-category identified as general under each criteria represents the remaining points allocated to the overarching site criteria.

“The site criteria evaluation matrix approved today will be utilized by administration and City Council to inform decisions about the future site of an integrated shelter in Red Deer,” said Lisa Perkins, Acting City Manager. “The process of developing this matrix has been all about our commitment to consider what we heard from the public, honouring the voice of the City Council in the development of the matrix and selecting a site for the future integrated shelter.”

Along with the criteria and weighting, Council adopted a resolution outlining conditions upon which City Council developed site criteria for the Shelter Site Evaluation Matrix. Ultimately, the site criteria within the matrix are the right criteria “if” the following are true:

1. Shelter is for those who need short stay emergency housing. There are other services/facilities along the housing spectrum.
2. Shelter is one site.
3. Funding may limit scope.
4. New services have potential to change outcomes.
5. The permanent shelter will be a housing focused delivery model [(Per Council resolution Nov – 21) – GOA confirmed Jan 22]
6. Shelter with wrap around services may not necessarily eliminate the need for those requiring shelter to access external services, to connect with community.
7. There are innovative alternative delivery/service and systems that need to address the diversity of clients and impact on community.
8. The shelter will operate 24/7
9. The shelter will be designed to provide adequate spaces for short time stays that honour the dignity of each person
10. There is a recognition and advocacy for the ongoing housing (eg. PSH & Affordable Housing) needs.
11. Council will continue to have discussions with the Provincial Government on future Overdose Prevention Services/Supervised Consumption Services.
12. A good neighbour policy will be developed.
13. Community agencies are supportive of an integrated model and willing to work collaboratively towards this.
14. The shelter would integrate or operate as many related services on site as reasonably possible.

These statements will be utilized to inform City Council’s advocacy position around the integrated shelter going forward.

“While the decision in front of City Council in the immediate future pertains specifically to site, we also know there are many conversations to be had with the Province of Alberta about other aspects of shelter including, but not limited to, shelter design, operations and service delivery,” said Mayor Ken Johnston. “We look forward to continued collaboration with our provincial colleagues as we work in partnership to ensure a safe place for our vulnerable citizens to access required services on their journey to permanent housing, which is beneficial for the whole community.”

In addition to the resolutions about the shelter evaluation matrix criteria, City Council resolved that administration will begin preparing a list of possible sites alongside a commercial realtor with Mayor Johnston and the Deputy Mayor providing Council perspective.

Administration will come back to City Council on July 18 to share an update with City Council about the site selection process.

For more information on the shelter project process, please visit www.reddeer.ca/shelter. Citizens and community partners wanting to receive updates on the shelter project by email can subscribe here.