A Port Moody charity that helps refugees and new immigrants from Middle Eastern countries settle into their new Canadian environs is looking to add temporary transitionary housing to its services in the city.
On Monday, Sept. 9, Port Moody’s land use committee will consider an application by House of Omeed to secure rezoning and a heritage alteration permit at 2340 Clarke St., just west of Queens Street.
The charity, which was founded in 2012 by Ahmad Zeividavi — a refugee himself — is looking to add a third floor to an existing two-storey light industrial structure where it already operates a culturally-sensitive food bank as well as provides services like children’s programs, a parenting club, English classes and a library.
According to a staff report, the addition would comprise four small apartments containing two beds, a kitchenette and a bathroom, as well as two sleeping units containing two beds as well as shared kitchen and bathroom facilities.
The transitionary housing would help House of Omeed “create a central hub for newcomers and refugees transitioning into Canada,” the report explained, adding it would provide a much-needed service for a vulnerable population.
The report noted funding for the housing units has already been approved under Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Rapid Housing Initiative, although it’s contingent on the rezoning application being approved by the end of the year.
The proposed changes to the existing building would also include a ground-floor extension into the rear yard to create more storage space for the food bank, an enclosure in the front yard to provide shelter for people waiting to get into the food bank and a second-storey balcony at the front of the building.
And while the report said the existing building doesn’t have any notable heritage features, its location within Port Moody’s downtown heritage conservation area, requires any alterations be compatible in design and scale to neighbouring structures on Clarke Street.
Port Moody’s land use committee is comprised of two city councillors as well as several community volunteers representing various neighbourhoods. It determines whether proposed changes to the way a property is used is appropriate to the surrounding neighbourhood, although it’s recommendations aren’t binding.
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