Construction is in progress for transitional housing for homeless individuals in a south-side Fredericton neighborhood near the Princess Margaret Bridge. The provincial government, identifying the project as urgently necessary, plans to solicit community input next week.
Housing Minister David Hickey emphasized the need to expedite unit placement in the community and provide alternatives to winter shelter living. While specific project details like size, unit count, and occupancy were not disclosed, the housing will operate 24/7 and offer secure units, laundry, food services, and communal spaces.
The new housing will serve as transitional housing, not a shelter, at 334 Forest Hill Rd., chosen from around 20 potential sites in Fredericton. Positioned on a small, previously wooded lot owned by the province, the location is adjacent to the bridge’s northbound onramp.
Hickey highlighted the urgency of addressing the crisis, citing nearly 300 homeless individuals in Fredericton as winter nears. An informational session open to the public is scheduled for Wednesday at Forest Hill Elementary School to reveal project specifics and timelines.
Before the formal announcement, both the province and the city remained tight-lipped about the project, despite inquiries from CBC News. Hickey stressed the importance of community engagement and swift action to address the housing shortage crisis in Fredericton.
While the city was consulted on the project site, the province maintains decision-making authority. City spokesperson Marley McLellan confirmed the city’s involvement is limited to the permitting process due to appropriate zoning. Local councilor Greg Ericson expressed surprise at the lack of information provided to him before the public announcement. CBC News sought Ericson’s comments, but he deferred until being briefed by city officials or the upcoming public meeting.