Any repurposing of the building would mean “large costs and careful conversation.”

By: Samantha Power/For Metro Published on Wed Mar 30 2016
 
The future of the Edmonton Remand Centre remains a question three years after being emptied in favour of a new facility in the north end.

After Qualico Vice President Ken Cantor proposed it be turned into a campus for Centre High, an arts space or a hospice, Procura president George Schluessel has suggested it could serve as affordable housing. But that could not happen without large costs and careful conversation.

“I never would have guessed it could be renovated in any economical fashion,” said John Kolkman research coordinator with the Edmonton Social Planning Council and a resident of the community. Kolkman says costs associated to create self contained housing including individual kitchens and bath, as well as opening up the window spaces, for independent living could be substantial.

And recurring conversation on concentration of low income housing would also be brought up.  

“The stigma is not an issue for housing advocates,” said Kolkman. “But the concentration of affordable housing has been brought up as an issue in the past.”

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