A proposal to develop a transition home for women with life-controlling drug or alcohol addiction, or depression, is making its way through Belleville’s Planning system.
The rezoning application for the transition home, being proposed for a site on Thrasher Road near the Frink Conservation Area in Thurlow Ward, was presented at the Planning Committee meeting Monday night.
Proponent Martin Vanderlaan, of New Life Women’s Home, said the care facility would offer a 12-month faith-based residential program and offer on-site housing to women 18 years and over.
“Workshop space on the site, and it’s actually an important part of the program, creating some social industry on site. It’s part of helping create a discipline daily schedule structure.”
Vanderland explained there would be recovery classes two to three hours a day on life management skills and building healthier relationships.
He added that workshop space is an important part of program and character development, indicating it is important to go back to the workforce or back to school.
Vanderland indicated there would be minimal impact to traffic since the women must leave vehicles with family members and any trips to town will have staff accompanying them.
When asked by Mayor Mitch Panciuk about the number of students, he indicated that in the first year there would be three to six students.
The faith-based organization is asking for zoning changes for 20 hectares of land at 543 Thrasher Road.
A staff report will come back to the committee.
Proposed women’s shelter site, Thrasher Road (Screenshot)
