Maple Ridge, BC (WNews): Saturday’s rally in Maple Ridge against the second temporary modular homeless shelter that is proposed for the city. The rally was a wake-up call for the community as 400+ people join forces at the local community park, Memorial Peace Park. The slogans, ‘Our City, Our Choice’ were said loudly across the park.
The rally organized by Jamie Seip with support from many people. The rally was started due to the Government of B.C. wanting to put temporary low barrier shelter on Burnett Street in Maple Ridge. It’s the second modular housing for the community of 80,000 people. The group feels that the other cities surrounding Maple Ridge is not picking up the slack.
The main issue is the lack of transparency by the NDP government and the housing ministry. The city rejected the Burnett homeless shelter last May due to the issues brought up by Burnett Neighbours, a local non-Partisan group. A increase in theft and break-in dues has been raised due to the tent city. Anita Place was set up in 2017 after the closing of the temporary homeless shelter at the local former Sleep shop.
Mayor Mike Morden, who was elected last October has been outspoken on the Provincial government trying to put another modular housing in Maple Ridge. There’s another one on Royal Crest in the downtown core. The city has issued a plan for more affordable housing and to help the homeless. The Province rejected that plan.
Wesley Mann, who owns his own business is worried about the increasing crime that has happened. Wendy spoke very loudly on the issue that the city rejected the low barrier shelter and now the government is building the mod housing bypassing the city zoning bylaws. 
During the rally, Seip made a call to Premier John Horgan which the slogan “Our City, Our Choice” was said by the protester.
The campers at Anita Place wants housing with low rules and support. They feel that the city is not listening to them or bringing housing that they don’t want. They feel that they are not being treated right as they are being unfairly treated by police.
There’s another rally planned for Sunday, April 14 from 1 pm to 3 pm at Memorial Peace Park.
Photo by Darren Gosselin (Facebook)
April 1, 2019 at 1:17pm. Story was updated with new information.
