[Halifax] The Craigmore | 46 m | 16 fl | Complete

[spaustin]

Ouch heated discussion. You have to remember that when it comes to property, there is a lot at stake, both economically and emotionally. We're taking people's homes here; the place where they live and the largest investment most people ever make! It's understandable and natural that people will react with fear and worry when something like this is proposed for their neighbourhood let alone their street. It doesn't make them against treating people with addictions. It's quite possible to be in favour of something in general and against it when it's planned for your backyard. It may be somewhat inconsistent, but it's human nature. If I lived on the street I would be concerned. The people directly across from the site are going to see their property values decline or at least not increase as much as they would otherwise. That's not really because of the IWK facility, but because their quiet side street is going to be filled in with a large residential tower.

As for social services, they really need to be located throughout the community. Dumping everything on Gottingen hasn't worked out at all! Once these types of facilities are established they rarely cause problems. I have just bought a house on Tulip Street over in Dartmouth and there is a facility right at the end of my street at the corner with Victoria Road. I didn't even know it was there when I was buying and it certainly didn't hurt the market price that the sellers received! (bidding war). The corrections centre on College is another example. We're at way more danger when these vital support systems are unavailable to those that need it! No neighbourhood should be able to veto these facilities outright as a result.

In short, social services need to go somewhere and it's better that they be integrated into the community, but we shouldn't be too hard on the residents who live in the immediate area. Most of us would react in a similiar manner.