A recent decision by Bathurst’s planning advisory committee gives the green light to a temporary zoning alteration permitting the installation of up to 40 modular housing units at the former Smurfit-Stone property. These units, overseen by the Chaleur Regional Service Commission, aim to offer accommodation to homeless or precariously housed individuals.
Jennifer Pitre, the commission’s director of community development, emphasized the significance of this approval in advancing the project. The plan involves situating between 28 and 40 modular units on the site for a year, with the final number contingent on unit costs.
The specific unit designs will be determined based on proposals received by the commission. These prefabricated units will include essential amenities like a bed, desk, and private entry, with variations that may feature individual or shared washroom facilities.
Upon completion, the modular housing initiative will replace the existing 10-bed shelter operated by the Chaleur Regional Service Commission in Bathurst. Jennifer Pitre stressed the urgent need for this development, noting that the current shelter reaches full capacity nightly.
The facility will be staffed around the clock to provide comprehensive services such as counseling and assistance in securing long-term housing solutions. Mayor Kim Chamberlain highlighted the rising homeless population in Bathurst over the past few years, attributing this trend to increasing living costs.
Michel Godin, manager of the Bathurst Volunteer Centre, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the community’s heightened demand for support services. The proposed housing location’s central proximity will facilitate access to essential resources like the volunteer center’s soup kitchen.
The public response to the project has been largely positive, with constructive feedback during a community information session held by the Chaleur Regional Service Commission. The commission’s proactive approach includes security measures, a neighborly behavior plan, and a vision for a potential permanent relocation of the modular units after the initial one-year period.
Ultimately, the aim is to expedite the implementation of the modular housing units while ensuring adherence to quality standards and community needs. The commission anticipates the request for proposals to be finalized by late 2025 or early 2026, paving the way for prompt execution of this vital initiative.