City officials prove big on ‘tiny house’
City officials are recommending that city council assist Blood Ties Four Directions with a $15,000 water and sewer hookup for its “tiny house” pilot project.
City officials are recommending that city council assist Blood Ties Four Directions with a $15,000 water and sewer hookup for its “tiny house” pilot project.
The recommendation was presented Monday night, and the matter will return to council this coming Monday for a vote.
Blood Ties Four Directions is proposing to use the house for clients receiving extended treatment for HIV or Hep C.
Representatives of the organization told council earlier this month they have secured a location on a private Wheeler Street lot. They have also received commitments for the $35,000 in material and labour required to build the 240-square-foot structure.
The only thing missing was the water and sewer hookup, which Blood Ties does not have the money for, council heard.
Having a stable home environment for a client taking treatment for the required six months to a year is critical for success, council was told.
City manager Dennis Shewfelt said the “tiny house” would essentially be a garden suite in the backyard.
There would also be a development agreement attached to the arrangement requiring the property owner to pay for the hookup should Blood Ties discontinue the project, or the service would be terminated.
Coun. Dave Stockdale said he usually upholds his stance that the city is not responsible for providing social programs. This project, however, is a solid example of the city partnering with the private sector to provide a significant community benefit, he said.
“This is good for the city,” said Coun. Betty Irwin. “It makes a statement how we are concerned for people who are very much less fortunate than us.”
Representatives of Blood Ties Four Directions said there are approximately 200 Whitehorse residents living with HIV or hepatitis C.
While treatment can take as few as three months, it usually takes six to 12 months, they told council.
They said having the “tiny house” could potentially provide a stable living environment for a significant number of people over the coming years.
June Jackson
Jan 27, 2012 at 6:28 pm
I approve of this project because AIDS infected people still need a place to live and be treated.
What i don’t approve of is calling it a “significant Community benefit.” the Canada games center is a ‘significant community benefit.”
Call it what it is.. The ‘tiny house’ project is welfare for sick people. I don’t think the city should be involved..but, in the end it doesn’t matter..its one of the few things that the taxpayers can foot the bill for and feel comfortable with.
If the City hadn’t *****ed away over a million dollars on a privately owned ski facility we could have bought them a brand new home, treated a few more in really nice surroundings.