Richmond council extends temporary supportive housing permit

Richmond city council has approved a three-year extension to the temporary-use permit for Aster Place, a 40-unit modular supportive-housing development operating since 2022. The vote was not unanimous, with councillors Loo and Heed opposed.

The existing permit had been due to expire in March 2027. The extension will allow the facility to continue operating until 2030. Mayor Malcolm Brodie said the city should do what it can to support people who might otherwise be living on the street.

The decision drew protests before the vote. North Richmond resident Donghi Wang said she believes her neighbourhood is less safe than when she moved in, while mayoral candidate Sheldon Starrett linked Aster Place and another supportive-housing site, Alderbridge, to concerns about disorder, open drug use, crime and vandalism.

Brodie acknowledged public concerns and said more work is needed, but stressed the need for supportive housing. Council candidate Keefer Pelech, speaking in favour of the extension, said closing Aster Place would likely increase visible homelessness and encampment concerns.