A local foundation wants to open an office and drop-in centre in downtown Peace River. The Providing and Ensuring Access to a Caring Environment (P.E.A.C.E.) Foundation held an open house yesterday at its property on 9820 97th Avenue. The point of the event was to show the house to the public as the foundation applies for a development permit from the Town of Peace River to change the house from a residential home to an office and drop-in centre for the foundation.
Fifteen-to-20 people came to visit the house and give feedback and ask questions, as well as sign a card showing support, or opposition, for the permit. P.E.A.C.E Foundation President Sherry Hilton says the goal is to have the drop in centre open 24 hours. “If someone is just lonely or having a mental health issue, they can come in here and talk to someone, maybe have a coffee. It makes all the difference in the world just to be able to speak to somebody. What if you have an addictions itch in the middle of the night and just need to speak to somebody? That’s what we need to be. I want everyone to feel welcome.”
One neighbour at the open house voice her opposition to the redevelopment. She expressed concerns that having a drop-in centre in the area may negatively affect surrounding property values. Hilton says the foundation will be a responsible neighbour. “I think some people have concerns that this is a place where people are going to start camping out, using drugs, drinking and that is not going to happen at all,” she mentioned. “If we are open, we are going to have enough volunteer staff to make sure it’s run efficiently and when we’re closed, there will be security cameras and the gates will be locked.”
Anyone looking to voice their opinion on the proposed redevelopment can click here. You have until the end of today to submit your feedback to the Town of Peace River. After a decision on the permit is made, residents will have 21 days to submit any additional feedback.
-Kenny Trenton, Trending 55 Newsroom
