Backlash in Richmond after B.C. pauses supportive housing project – BC [Video]

The B.C. government’s move to hit pause on a controversial supportive housing project in Richmond is drawing blowback from the city’s municipal leaders.

The proposed building at Cambie Street and Sexsmith Road would create 90 new supportive housing units to address homelessness in the city.

But it was met with fierce opposition from some local residents, who packed a recent community meeting where they raised concerns it would affect public safety.

On Friday, the province said it was suspending work on the Cambie Permanent Housing Project, a decision that’s proven unpopular with the city’s mayor.

“We have been working on this project for quite a number of years,” Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie told Global News.

Brodie said the facility was meant to be a more stable home for people transitioning out of a pair of temporary modular housing projects in the city.

He said he understood neighbours’ concerns, but that …