About
Fresh Start has halted the work to submit an application on the 2400 Block site due to grant delays and economic evaluations regarding financing.
Fresh Start Recovery (Fresh Start) continues to look for sites for a recovery community initiative (Gratitude Manor) within communities including Mount Pleasant. Fresh Start wishes to continue building a relationship with residents of Mount Pleasant where all engagement is heard and considered as a positive experience. Our communities NEED transitional housing supports like the one proposed at the 2400 Block site. Transitional housing is a component of a healthy and inclusive community. We encourage you to consider your own families, friends co-workers, and neighbors when contemplating what community means. Sometimes all an individual needs is a Fresh Start.
We will continue to explore options for the development of a recovery community initiative. Providing an environment that will be home to men and women (and families) who have committed to their recovery program and desire to be part of a larger community.
We recognize that the previous engagement and communications for the 2400 Block were not adequate for stakeholders and have heard and weighed their engagement. We withdrew the previous Development Permit (DP) application in consideration of community feedback due to inadequate engagement. When the application was withdrawn, we received many letters from stakeholders expressing disappointment that Fresh Start had pulled out and that they would have welcomed Fresh Start into the community. This confirms the need for such a project.
As a result, any initiative that we choose to move forward with will be accompanied by a comprehensive engagement strategy led by an engagement specialist. Fresh Start will conduct engagement for any future application for development with transparency, certainty, and integrity being at the forefront.
Who is Fresh Start?
MISSION: “Fresh Start is recovering lives by Housing,
Treating and Supporting people affected by addiction”
Fresh Start’s treatment program follows the disease concept: We see addiction as an illness that is progressive and often fatal if left untreated. The good news is that with treatment and a program of recovery, people can and DO live healthy, happy and productive lives. That has been our focus for the last 29 years as we provide solutions which support people moving forward in long-term recovery. With treatment locations in both Calgary (men only) and Lethbridge (men and women) we are seen as a treatment leader not only in Calgary and area, but are recognized across Canada for the interdisciplinary approach we take to treating addiction.
Our entire focus is on a recovery solution that is real, attainable and sustainable. Along with the two treatment centers, we currently have 46 Recovery Community initiative beds in two apartments in Calgary Recovery Community initiative clients are provided weekly check-ins with an outreach counsellor, peer support and are part of a strong alumni network. In all of our work, we remain constant to our core values: equality, empathy, trust, accountability, support, change, respect and individuality.
Public Engagement
Should Fresh Start select a site for Gratitude Manor and choose to move forward, the engagement strategy will include the following:
Communication with the Community Association
Fresh Start, through its engagement consultants, would contact the community association and offer to make a presentation to them. This presentation would involve a description of the proposed project, the proposed engagement strategy, and an invitation to participate on the Good Neighbour Agreement Committee. Fresh Start would continue to communicate with the community association throughout the process.
Open House
Fresh Start would host a virtual open house prior to DP submission.
Good Neighbour Agreement Committee
Fresh Start would form a stakeholder committee to draft a Good Neighbour Agreement. This would be an agreement between Fresh Start and the community that would inform the relationship and expected commitments. A Good Neighbour Agreement defines roles and responsibilities, establishes expectations and can address questions such as:
- Who should participate?
- What can the community
expect in terms of operating
procedures?
- What are the expectations
for communication
(when and in what form)?
- How will complaints be resolved?
Good Neighbour Agreements are typically drafted between a community and non-profit when new housing is proposed. Fresh Start was the first organization in Calgary to sign a Good Neighbour Agreement with the Highland Park Community Association and Thorncliffe – Greenview Community Association Participants will be expected to attend up to three meetings in the new year.
Committee participants would likely include:
- Neighbour residents (up to two representatives)
- Neighbour businesses (up to two representatives)
- Community association (up to two representatives)
- Other community residents/businesses (up to two representatives)
Additional opportunities would also be made available for those who live in the immediate vicinity of the site.
Development Permit (DP) Application
A DP application would be submitted after a virtual open house is held. You can follow the status of all active DP applications HERE.
According to The City of Calgary’s Planning & Development process, the following items are considered at the DP stage and can be commented on by the public:
- Site access (vehicle and pedestrian)
- Building height
- Privacy and safety considerations
- Shadowing
- Phasing plans
- Accessibility
- Garbage and recycling facility locations
- Parking or loading zones
- Building massing and articulation
- Building design and finishing materials
- Landscaping plans
- Site layout
- Signage
- Relaxations or variances
According to The City of Calgary’s Planning & Development process, the following items are considered out-of-scope and are not open for discussion during the DP application process:
- The characteristics of people who may use the proposed development (e.g., renter vs. owner). Comments must address the land uses, not the land users.
- Disputes between private property owners (such as property damage, removal of private trees and shared amenities). These are more typically dealt with through 311.
- The economic benefits or losses (e.g., increasing tax revenue to The City and property values).
- Precedence. Each application must be considered on its own merits.
- Business competition.
FAQ
If you do not see your question answered here, please submit it via the contact form.
How can I get involved?
Should Fresh Start select a site for Gratitude Manor, the strategy outlined in the Public Engagement section would be followed. We took into consideration previous feedback on the DP application at the 2400 Block site and were planning to adjust the DP in response to those comments upon resubmission. We will also provide opportunities for feedback for any new DP applications.
What is a Recovery Community initiative?
Gratitude Manor will be a forward step for Fresh Start Graduates and their families. Our Recovery Community (post-treatment housing) allows men, women and their families an opportunity to continue to build their lives while keeping in place important connections to further develop their aspirations
Upon completion of our comprehensive 16-week program, men and women are encouraged to stay at the treatment facility until they establish the supports required for the successful transition into a Recovery Community initiative. Once part of a Recovery Community initiative, like Gratitude Manor, individuals will continue to connect with their supports, mentors and counsellors as well as attend weekly recovery meetings and Fresh Start milestone celebrations. Alumni will become part of a broader support system for the men and women receiving treatment at Fresh Start. Individuals in the recovery community have agreed and are expected to volunteer for Fresh Start events as well as community events. Gratitude Manor residents will have transitioned back into work, school or positions of volunteering.
Currently Fresh Start has Alumni and their families residing in two other Recovery Community locations.
These locations are supported by a team of Outreach Counselors that offer full case management and supports through referral and engagement in all major life areas. These fully abstinent environments have a modern layout and are homes to families and individuals. Because people deserve no less. These recovery communities are obtained as a result of long-term abstinence and are the foundation in allowing individuals to in co-exist within a safe supported independent living community.
Fresh Start understands the importance of safe, sober and supported housing for those who have completed addiction treatment. This facet of our program is an important part of our mission in housing, treating and supporting all people affected by the disease of addiction.
Who will be living at Gratitude Manor?
Gratitude Manor will be home to men and women who have graduated from their recovery program as well as their families including children. This will be a home for graduates to transition to their everyday lives so they can be successful in their continued recovery supported by their family and Fresh Start.
Will Gratitude Manor affect crime and safety?
In 1997, the American Planning Association produced a policy guide on community residences (homes for disabled, mentally ill and addiction recovery). This report concluded that community residences do NOT adversely impact their neighbourhoods.
Will Gratitude Manor affect property values?
In 2020, B.C. Housing produced a report that indicated that the introduction of non-market housing to an area does not affect property values and that global and economic factors are the main drivers of residential real estate trends. The report concludes that commercial property assessments are affected by macro and local economic factors, not non-market housing. In addition, the report’s case studies led to the conclusion that proximity to schools does not influence the effects if nonmarket housing on property values.
The American Planning Association states that group homes and halfway houses do not affect property values of surrounding housing (including houses next door).
Will Gratitude Manor affect traffic?
A traffic study is not required for any buildings that do not generate more than 100 trips per day and Gratitude Manor is not expected to reach that trigger.
Will Gratitude Manor affect parking?
The Land Use Bylaw generally requires that one parking stall per unit be provided for a multi-residential use in addition to visitor parking requirements.
We understand based on the previous DP application that parking is a concern, and we will take this under consideration for any future initiatives.
