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Abbotsford to debate 11th recovery house

Abbotsford could be home to a new recovery house. Council is scheduled to discuss an application for supportive recovery use (SRU) for 33416 George Ferguson Way at this afternoon's meeting. If approved, it would become the 11th SRU in Abbotsford.

Abbotsford could be home to a new recovery house.

Council is scheduled to discuss an application for supportive recovery use (SRU) for 33416 George Ferguson Way at today'’s meeting. If approved, it would become the 11th SRU in Abbotsford.

City bylaws permit recovery homes in all suburban single family residential zones, on the condition that capacity is limited to 10 people (nine residents and one staff), a business license is issued, and the home is located more than 200 metres away from any other SRU or school.

The application was submitted by Surrey-based VisionQuest Recovery Society. The group was formed in 1997 and currently operates six homes around the Lower Mainland, housing 90 men and women trying to battle addictions.

At a neighbourhood consultation meeting, held Feb. 10, 12 members of the public attended, with the majority speaking in opposition to the application. The opposition included a 14-name petition.

Concerns ranged from safety issues to property values.

Despite these objections, city staff support the application, noting in the report that it meets requirements of the bylaw.

“We have a number of these homes already and have had very few incidents,” said Mayor George Peary.



Kevin Mills

About the Author: Kevin Mills

I have been a member of the media for the past 34 years and became editor of the Mission Record in February of 2015.
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