A zoning change has been approved by Bathurst’s planning advisory committee, allowing for the installation of up to 40 modular housing units on the former Smurfit-Stone property. These units, managed by the Chaleur Regional Service Commission, aim to provide housing for homeless or precariously housed individuals. According to Jennifer Pitre, the commission’s community development director, this approval marks a significant step forward for the project, enabling the purchase and setup of the housing units.
The specific number of modular units to be placed on the property for a year will be determined based on the unit costs. Designs of the units will vary depending on proposals received, but they will be prefabricated and equipped with essential amenities such as beds, desks, and individual entries. Some units will include private washrooms, while others will have shared facilities.
The Chaleur Regional Service Commission currently operates a 10-bed shelter in Bathurst, which will be replaced by the modular units once operational. The shelter sees full occupancy every night, reflecting the pressing need for additional housing solutions in the area.
Once operational, the modular housing site will have dedicated staff providing support services, including counseling and assistance in securing long-term housing options. Mayor Kim Chamberlain highlighted the increasing homelessness trend in the region over the past few years, attributing it to rising living costs.
The Bathurst Volunteer Centre, which runs a food bank and soup kitchen, has observed a surge in demand for their services, indicating the growing challenges faced by the community. The new centrally located housing site is expected to facilitate access to essential services like the soup kitchen, fostering a positive impact on residents’ well-being.
Public response to the modular housing initiative has been largely supportive, with minimal opposition from residents. Pitre emphasized the implementation of security measures, including surveillance cameras and a “good neighbor plan” to ensure a safe and harmonious living environment. Plans are in place for the units to potentially find a permanent location within the city after the one-year zoning period, with proposals for the units expected to be open for submission by late 2025 or early 2026.