The city’s planning commission will be debating the Mustard Seed’s application for a six-month zoning variance on Wednesday which will allow for a temporary shelter space at the organization’s Allowance Avenue location.

The item is anticipated to draw opposition from Flats residents who have been complaining for months about overdoses, drug paraphernalia refuse and a host of drug-related harms in the neighbourhood.

The Mustard Seed stated in a November media release the requested rezoning stems from a need to house homeless Hatters over the winter months.

Documents included in the city’s technical assessment of the application states the Mustard Seed, “is requesting an approval beyond April 30, 2025, with no specific date mentioned.”

While that assessment notes a few minor technical issues regarding the application, it does recognize the concerns raised by residents about the re-zoning application.

The document states, “members of the public have requested to speak at the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) to voice their concerns, which opening the floor will be at the discretion of the MPC chair.”

City administration has yet to acknowledge the letter signed by the mayor, local MLA Justin Wight and provincial Minister of Housing Jason Nixon regarding working collaboratively. Nor is it clear from the Jan. 4 agreement if the signatories are aware the length of the temporary rezoning application.

That agreement stated, the provincial government, Medicine Hat Community Housing Society and the city are working together, “to open temporary additional emergency shelter beds for the winter months.”

The MPC meeting is set for Wednesday at 1:30 pm and will be taking place at the city council chamber.