Plan to convert Maple Ridge Quality Inn into homeless shelter cancelled by province
Province will now provide $15 million for low-barrier housing project in different location
The contentious plan to turn a Maple Ridge motel into a homeless shelter has been shelved by the province.
Last weekend hundreds of Maple Ridge residents rallied against the government's plan to buy and convert the Quality Inn on Lougheed Highway into a permanent low barrier shelter that would allow addicts to use drugs on the premises.
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Instead the province will provide approximately $15 million for a permanent facility at location that has yet to be determined in the city.
"Addressing homelessness involves the cooperation and support of many partners and we will continue to work with the community to assist those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness," said Minister of Housing Rich Coleman in the press release.
A public information session regarding the Quality Inn purchase that was planned for tonight has been cancelled.