Conceptual drawings for the new Arrowhead clubhouse and housing units to be donated to the Sunshine Coast after the 2010 Games were revealed last week.
Around 30 interested parties, partners and developers met at Sunshine Coast Community Services Society (SCCSS) on June 23 to discuss the Dolphin Street project.
"There are lots of moving parts and in some ways, this is a very complicated project," said Val Nash, project co-ordinator from Nash & Associates non-profit development services.
Several drawings were propped on easels for viewing and showed the old RCMP building on Dolphin Street renovated to include bigger windows and some additions to the exterior so it will match the eight housing units once installed.
"This will be permanent, not transitional housing," Nash said. "It will be stable, secure housing for a population that has difficulty finding it."
Representatives at the meeting from Arrowhead asked why their part of the project could not move ahead. While they wait, their funds are running out and the current house in which they provide services has been sold.
"We've had the money in place, from Con Ag and BC Gaming, for more than a year and a half," said Arrowhead board chair Bob Smith.
He said he didn't want to sound as if he was complaining because the totality of the project offers a lot for its client base and the community. He said his concern was the potential loss of service between August when they lose the Cowrie Street house and when construction on Dolphin finishes.
André Boel, community planner for the District of Sechelt, one of the partners in the project, said work will begin soon.
"It has to be crystal clear who is in charge of the building. You'll be happy to hear we are close to resolving it," said Boel.
Raymond Kwong, senior project officer with BC Housing, attended the meeting. He is working with the District, SCCSS, Vancouver Coastal Health and Arrowhead to clarify a lease agreement that will also put proper core funding in place.
Once that is completed, a permit can be issued to allow for the removal of the asbestos inside the old RCMP building that will eventually serve as the Arrowhead clubhouse, common activity room that will also be rentable by the public, dining hall and offices for the various partners.
The concept plans include creative landscaping to make the urban setting feel quiet and safe. Bike sheds were included and wheelchair access will be maintained via the parking lot. Zoning will need to be tailored to fit the VANOC housing as the site is currently not zoned to suit the stacked units, but attendees seemed impressed with the whole look.
"This is one of the things Sechelt can be really proud of and look forward to," Nash concluded.
