Enforce our ByLaws on Cliff Avenue and Stop the Low Barrier Shelter

On August 26, 2015 the City issued a news release that it intends to open a temporary low barrier shelter on Lougheed Highway in Maple Ridge in the vacant "Sleep Shop" building. This was decided and the location chosen without Public Hearing and the Mayor stated at Council on September 8, 2015, that no public consultation was necessary as the building doesn't require rezoning.

The $300,000 cost of improvements to the building that is said to be leased for a 6 month period has not gone to tender as would be normally required.

This decision to establish a low barrier shelter comes months after the City permitted people to squat illegally on City property, causing immeasurable disruption to residents on Cliff Avenue. As a result, Maple Ridge has a growing homeless and criminal element which is negatively impacting all levels of society.

Will you as a Maple Ridge resident stand up and fight the approach taken by Council and the proposed implementation of a low barrier homeless shelter in downtown Maple Ridge at a cost of approximately $300,000?

By signing this petition, you are telling your local Government and representatives that:

• I will not tolerate giving my tax dollars to a low barrier housing project in Maple Ridge at this time.

• I demand you do your job by cleaning up Cliff Avenue to the full extent of the law.

• I demand that you do your job by representing the Will of The People who elected you by implementing a transparent and full consultation process before any decisions are made regarding a homeless shelter.