The Hells Angels' loss is a community group's gain.
City council unanimously voted Monday night to approve Evergreen a United Neighbourhood’s plan to convert the former Hells Angels clubhouse on Heron Street into a community space. Evergreen coordinator Linda Bruins told council that the group currently holds its meetings on a street corner near Minnesota Park. The space on Heron Street, given to the group by the Ministry of the Attorney General, would allow Evergreen to have indoor meetings and have a space to hold events.
“Our goal really is to enhance the house make it fit into the community better and have a place that we can celebrate,” Bruins said during her deputation to council.
But some neighbours weren’t convinced that the centre would be a good fit. Clem Hamel said he owns three properties on the street, including his home right next to the Evergreen property. He’s worried that the price of those properties will go down once Evergreen moves in. He was also concerned that having youth use the space would encourage graffiti and other petty crime in the area.
“We don’t need this. I don’t want a youth hub just a few feet from my house,” Hamel said adding he opposes the idea 100 per cent.
Parking was also an issue for Hamel, saying there are already parking problems on the street.
“We’re fighting for parking space as it is.”
Hamel said the area has enough community centres and churches.
City development manager Mark Smith said the amendment only requires three parking spaces, which can fit on the property.
Council heard from supporters of the idea before making the unanimous decision. Coun. Paul Pugh said this was the best opportunity to see a former negative space turned into a positive one.
“It’s got to be about a positive move as I can imagine,” Pugh said.
Former police officer mayor Keith Hobbs said he supported the change.
“It would be a real pleasure to walk into this building without needing a warrant,” Hobbs joked.
Bruins said the building, which is almost 100 years old, is in surprisingly good shape. The group is being helped by construction programs at Confederation College to make it handicap accessible and to get it up to code.
