PLEASE NOTE: WE HAVE MADE ADJUSTMENTS TO OUR RE-ZONING ASK BASED ON COMMUNITY FEEDBACK AND THE CREATION OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES INTEGRATION GROUP (SSIG). WE HAVE REQUESTED AN AMENDMENT TO FOCUS SOLELY ON STRONGER RECOVERY OPTIONS THROUGH A MEDICAL DETOX PROGRAM. PLEASE GO HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS UPDATE.

 

Alpha House Society is currently in the process of pursuing a rezoning for the property at 802 2A Avenue North. The purpose of the re-zoning is to clarify use descriptions and definitions in order to follow by-law requirements as we continue to respond to social issues such as homelessness and addiction in Lethbridge. Below is more information about what re-zoning means and why we are undertaking this project.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Projects/Proposals

  1. What is a rezoning? [This description is provided by the City of Lethbridge]

A rezoning, also referred to as Land Use Bylaw Amendment, occurs when a landowner wants to change what activities or use of land is allowed on their property with the current zoning. Changes to a property’s zoning may include different land uses or activities, more dwelling units, or a new development and/or building. At a public hearing, anyone has the ability to make comments regarding the proposal to City Council who ultimately decides if the rezoning is a   good idea.

  1. Why are you pursuing a rezoning?

Alpha House currently operates a 24/7 Emergency Shelter and Stabilization Centre out of the building at 802 2A Ave N Lethbridge. A mobile Overdose Prevention Site (OPS) is operated on the street outside the building by Alberta Health. The re-zoning process will not change the services provided at this location but will allow Alpha House to better meet the needs of the population we already serve with more beds, greater medical supports, and a higher quality space. In addition, moving the OPS inside the Shelter facility will provide greater stability and accessibility to services for clients and greater overall security for the community.

We will be pursuing the following re-zoning definition: Substance Use and Recovery Services (Federally and/or Provincially-regulated), defined as: A Development providing federally and/or provincially-approved medical services which may include services such as an overdose prevention site, medical detox, intox beds and services, and sobering and withdrawal management facilities. This use is regulated by the federal and/or provincial government.

  1. Who owns the property?

The City of Lethbridge owns the property at 802 2A Ave N

  1. Will any building improvements or changes be made?

There will be no structural changes to the building but our proposal does include a possible shift of traffic flow to utilize the back entrance and area of the property in a manner that offers higher quality client care and staff safety.

  1. Where will parking be provided?

Apart from the removal of the mobile OPS following the re-zoning, which would increase parking options on the main street, there are no plans to change the parking lot or street parking.

  1. Who should I contact if I have questions about the project?

Please contact Kathy Christiansen at kathy@alphahouselethbridge.com or Nicole Callaghan at nicole@alphahouselethbridge.com if you have questions related to this project.  Additionally, Alpha House hosted a Virtual Open House on June 17th and the recording of that presentation is available on our website.

 

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Rezoning Process

  1. What is a rezoning? [This description is provided by the City of Lethbridge]

A rezoning, also referred to as Land Use Bylaw Amendment, occurs when a landowner wants to change what activities or use of land is allowed on their property with the current zoning. Changes to a property’s zoning may include different land uses or activities, more dwelling units, or a new development and/or building. At a public hearing, anyone has the ability to make comments regarding the proposal to City Council who ultimately decides if the rezoning is a good idea.

  1. How long is the rezoning process?

Once an application is made, the rezoning process is two to three months long on average.

  1. Who makes a decision on the rezoning?

City Council is the decision maker for rezonings. This decision is made following a public hearing.

  1. What are the steps in the rezoning process?
  • Initial consultation with the City
  • FAQ letter sent to neighbouring land owners (current step)
  • Application submitted
  • Application notification letter sent to neighbours
  • Internal circulation to City departments
  • Rezoning introduction to City Council – First reading
  • Public hearing notification sent to neighbouring land owners
  • Rezoning presentations to City Council – Public hearing
  • Rezoning decision made by City Council – Second and third readings

 

  1. When and how is the public updated throughout the process?

Property owners within 60 m are contacted directly by the City of Lethbridge two times throughout the process via mail:

  1. Notice of Application Submission Letter when the rezoning application is submitted to the City
  1. Notice of Public Hearing Letter when Council gives the rezoning bylaw first reading and the public hearing is scheduled (usually for 4 weeks after the first reading). The date for the public hearing will also be advertised on the City’s website at https://www.lethbridge.ca/City-Government/public-hearing-notices/Pages/Public-Hearings.aspx.

 

  1. Why is the notification distance 60 metres?

Section 692 of the Municipal Government Act requires that written notice be provided to owners of adjacent land. This is defined in the City’s Land Use Bylaw as a radius of 60 m from the parcel being rezoned.

  1. How may I provide my feedback on this rezoning proposal?

The Notice of Public Hearing Letter will outline the ways you may share your feedback with City Council in person, via email, via phone call, or through the City’s website. This information can also be found on the City’s website at: https://www.lethbridge.ca/City-Government/public-hearing-notices/Pages/Public-Hearings.aspx.

 Who should I contact if I have questions about the rezoning process?

Contact the community planner listed below. A copy of the City’s Land Use Bylaw can be accessed on the City’s website at: https://www.lethbridge.ca/Doing-Business/Planning-Development/Development/Pages/Land-Use-Bylaw-6300.aspx

Shelagh Graham; Community Planner

Planning and Development – City of Lethbridge; 910 – 4th Avenue South Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0P6

Phone: 403-359-6530; Email: shelagh.graham@lethbridge.ca