City of Belleville planning staff are recommending the Planning Advisory Committee approve the rezoning of 20 hectares of land along Thrasher Road near Frink Conservation Area.
If finally approved by council the property could be used for a faith-based in-residence recovery centre for women with life-controlling drug or alcohol addictions or depression.
The care facility operated by New Life Women’s Home would offer a 12-month residential program and offer on-site housing to the occupants in dormitory-style housing and in the first year would serve three to six students.
Some residents in the area opposed the plan worrying about impacts on water supply, property values, and lack of support services such as police, fire and paramedics.
Planning staff maintains those concerns have been addressed and the proposal should be supported.
Proponent Martin Vanderlaan proposes to develop the site in stages with the end goal of having two stand-alone dormitories/bunk houses, one activity building including a dormitory on the second floor, one workshop, one chapel and one small barn.
Belleville’s Planning Advisory Committee meets virtually at 5:30 Monday.
Proposed women’s shelter site, Thrasher Road (Screenshot)
