Prince Edward Island’s housing corporation is in the process of acquiring properties on Beach Street in Charlottetown, near the Community Outreach Centre and overnight emergency shelter. The P.E.I. Housing Corporation Authority has initiated agreements to purchase three homes on the same street, as revealed on the provincial government’s official website that details orders in council.
The Department of Housing, Land, and Communities confirmed the ongoing acquisition of the homes by the province. Property owners adjacent to the Shelter and Community Outreach Centre had shown interest in selling their properties. Following thorough assessment and due diligence, the P.E.I. Housing Corporation sought authorization from the Executive Council to proceed with a Purchase and Sale Agreement for these three properties, as noted in a statement conveyed via email by the department.
The statement further clarified that the acquired homes would be transformed into provincially owned affordable housing units, with rents adjusted to be 25 percent of tenants’ income. Specific details regarding the finalization of the real estate transactions and the eventual transition of the units into social housing were not disclosed by the province.
The overnight shelter, established to offer secure accommodation for individuals without housing, operates daily from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. The neighboring outreach center aims to assist individuals grappling with mental health challenges, homelessness-related issues, and those striving to regain stability.
Despite the ongoing developments, concerns persist among local residents regarding issues such as loitering and drug activity in the vicinity surrounding the overnight shelter and Community Outreach Centre, situated at the base of Park Street in Charlottetown’s eastern sector. Notably, Charlottetown council previously opposed the province’s request for an extension of a zoning change to enable the continuity of both facilities on Park Street.
In response to the council’s decision, the province established a special planning zone to retain the services in the area. Former housing minister Steven Myers affirmed plans to purchase homes in the locality as part of this initiative.
Data accessible on the government’s platform indicates that the 50-bed emergency shelter has operated at varying capacities, ranging from 67 to 99 percent occupancy this year, while the outreach center extends help to approximately 200 individuals monthly.
Acknowledging lingering community apprehensions, the department emphasized the vital role of the shelter in providing a crucial service, averting broader challenges within the city. The province remains committed to collaborating with clients, neighbors, and the Charlottetown Police Services to address and minimize any arising concerns.