An apartment building that would house graduates of the Freedom's Door 12-step addiction program is creating controversy near the site in Rutland.
The 49-unit building at Rutland and McCurdy Roads would be managed by the social profit, and also have a zero tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol.
But some neighbours in the area have cited multiple concerns, mostly related to safety concerns that would come with an assumed increase in illegal activity.
Freedom's Door co-founder Tom Smithwick says he understands there's an assumption that people rehabbing from addiction have violence or criminal activity in their past.
But he says addiction, even to drugs and alcohol specifically, is something that affects all kinds of people from all different backgrounds.
"Personally, I believe absolutely every person is addicted to something, the question is what. Some of the addictions are very open and in your face, and you can point a finger and say 'that guy's stumbling down the street, I don't like that guy, that guy's got a problem,'" he said.
"What we need to overcome is the stigma, both of addictions and mental health issues, and start having some compassion for what are the solutions for it, as opposed to shoving it under the carpet or saying 'deal with it over there somewhere.'"
Smithwick says he understands why people are skeptical, but that it's not the right way to approach the issue.
"I understand very much the fear that goes around with a change in a neighbourhood. Particularly a change that's perceived to be a dangerous one," he said.
"I think the perception is entirely wrong, it's entirely false. The fear is not based on truth, but I understand the emotional reaction to fear."
He estimates that between 13 and 1400 men have successfully graduated from the 12-step program.
One of those is 29-year-old Mike Helland, who says he had a normal life growing up in Kelowna, before he became addicted to drugs and alcohol while in high school.
He says he eventually dropped out, and spent time living on the streets.
"When I was 23, my family basically did an intervention with me, and I was given a choice. And I had not ever heard of Freedom's Door at the time, but man. The opportunity and the things that I've been given as a result of Freedom's Door, it just is amazing," he said.
"I finished my high school education while I was there, I got a ticket - I'm an electrician now. All while I was living at Freedom's Door."
Freedom's Door currently operates five duplexs, which collectively house about 50 graduates of the program.
In spite of the opposition, others believe it'll be a positive addition to the area.
Gerry Stoddard, who lives in the neighbourhood, says the old Knights of Columbus property will eventually be developed, and with this project, there will be no surprises.
"There's gonna be something going there - it could be a low-income rental, which you're going to get more problems from than this, I feel, because this is monitored totally," he said.
"There's a presence there all the time, and if there's any problems with anybody, they're gone. I think it's a good fit, myself"
Stoddard says those who have beliefs that it'll bring a criminal element to the area, make women and children unsafe, and add more drugs on the street, are just plain wrong.
"These men have already gone through most of the program, and this is the end of it, this is the coming out sort of thing, this last step. And I'm sure the last thing on their mind is - they don't want to screw anything up, because now they're kicked out for sure," he said.
"They've gone through the whole program, now they're going to learn how to live on their own."
The public hearing on the project will be held Tuesday, September 19th at 6:00 pm at Kelowna City Hall.
With files from Harry Callaghan.