Boyle Street Community Services faces delay in relocation to new Edmonton site

A plan to relocate Boyle Street Community Services to a new facility at 107th Avenue and 101st Street in Edmonton faced a setback in November 2022 when the city's subdivision and development appeal board revoked the organization's development permit.

Elliott Tanti, senior manager of communications and engagement at Boyle Street, remains confident the project will proceed. "There’s no change to our plan, and it hasn’t been halted; it’s just been delayed," Tanti said. "It’s a minor setback in our permitting process, but our intention is to move forward as initially planned."

The organization had planned to start renovations in December 2022, with an anticipated opening in October 2023. A new development permit has been submitted, and a response is expected in February. "We’re anticipating maybe a six-month delay," Tanti said. "But what we know for certain is that these services are desperately needed in downtown Edmonton, and it’s incumbent on our organization to get this building built so people have a safe place to go."

In the November decision, 15 appellants raised concerns, leading to the revocation of the permit originally granted in September 2022. Complaints included fears of increased panhandling and arguments that the area is incorrectly zoned for social services.

Tanti acknowledged the concerns but noted challenges in engaging with the community. "The community hasn’t wanted to work with us. We’ve made multiple attempts to reach out to stakeholders like the business association and the community league," he said. "When they’re ready to engage, we are more than willing to have that conversation."

Chai Tran, owner of 99 Supermarket adjacent to the proposed site, argued the relocation would harm his business. "It’s already dangerous for our customers. Now there’s going to be even more people hanging out around the store," Tran said.

Boyle Street maintains the new facility, just two blocks from its current location behind Rogers Place, will address community concerns. "The issues around poverty and homelessness already exist in this area," Tanti said. "Our goal is to help address those concerns. The impact of moving two blocks will be negligible."