Streets Alive Mission is looking to appeal a stop order issued in November. The order was issued after Streets Alive failed to apply for development permits to bring activities at its 4th St. S. property into compliance with the Land Use Bylaw.Â
The property has a development permit for religious assembly and the city investigated its uses after receiving complaints in the summer. After multiple site visits, city staff found activities they do not believe are compliant with the religious assembly use. These include the operation of a financial administration program, a store-style clothing bank, lockers for patrons at the site and the use of the property as a mailing address for non-employees/volunteers.Â
A letter from the city on Oct. 13 ordered Streets Alive to apply for development permits to bring its activities into compliance with the Land Use Bylaw or cease activities that contravene it before Oct. 31.Â
The stop order was issued on Nov. 10 and gives the organization until Aug. 9, 2024 to stop the non-permitted activities or apply for the proper permits. Failure to comply could lead to a fine of up to $10,000, a caveat being registered against the property and other remedies.Â
In the notice of appeal, Streets Alive says it believes all activities are compliant with the existing permitted use. In a letter dated Oct. 30, the organization points to the definition of religious assembly as a land use, which includes philanthropic and social activities.Â
The city’s investigation concluded a new development approval is needed because the intensity and land use impact of some of the activities are beyond the religious assembly permit. It also says regular attendance of AHS mobile community paramedics and personal care services such as haircuts are not permitted under the current permit.Â
Streets Alive will be in front of the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board to appeal the order on Dec. 21 at 5 p.m. It will be held in city council chambers.
