If you live in Hampton, you know how important local zoning laws are to your community. Residents are pushing back against a local rehabilitation centre and taking their fight to the provincial land planning tribunal. Neighbours of the Hidden Secret Recovery Centre on Darlings Island argue the town misapplied a zoning bylaw that allowed the 10 bed facility to open.

The centre opened its doors in May after the Hampton town council approved zoning amendments. Neighbours quickly filed formal complaints. They claim the facility poses a danger to their children and makes their homes unsellable.

Facility Founders Defend Their Record

Founder Adam Beman defends the facility. He notes the centre operates as a Tier 2 facility. This designation means it houses a maximum of 10 residents with 24 hour supervision from licensed professionals.

Beman says the centre has treated 23 people since opening. He adds they have received zero community complaints regarding safety. The only complaint involved a food truck parked on the property.

“All of these fears have been unfounded,” Beman says.

The Legal Battle Over Zoning

The provincial land planning tribunal previously sided with the neighbours. The tribunal ruled the Town of Hampton misapplied the zoning bylaw and caused unreasonable hardship. They ordered the town to revoke the permit.

In response, the town planning advisory committee held a special meeting and passed new bylaw amendments. These changes paved the way for the centre to reopen. Now, opponents are appealing those new amendments.

Lawyer Mel Norton represents the town. He questioned Jennifer Brown, a community planner and the town planning director, during the latest hearing. Brown detailed the town planning and public engagement processes for supportive housing.

Norton says the outcome of this hearing impacts municipal planning processes across New Brunswick.

“Hampton sees this as very important to its authority to make bylaws to regulate land use, to regulate planning,” Norton says. “It is something that can impact planning right across the province for other municipalities depending on the outcome of this decision.”

Private Funding and Future Plans

The Hidden Secret Recovery Centre operates privately. Patients pay $10,000 per month through personal funds or insurance benefits. This differs from publicly funded facilities planned for other areas in the region.

Beman remains determined to keep the doors open during the tribunal process.

“We are going to keep operating until somebody tells us that we cannot, and then we will continue fighting again after that,” he says. “I will fight till the death on this because I care about people.”

The tribunal hearing resumes on November 16.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hidden Secret Recovery Centre?

It is a private 10 bed residential rehabilitation centre located on Darlings Island in Hampton. The facility provides 24 hour supervision and licensed professional staff for people recovering from addictions.

Why are neighbours challenging the facility?

Neighbours filed complaints arguing the facility poses a danger to local children and negatively impacts property values.

How much does the program cost?

Patients pay $10,000 per month. They cover this cost using personal resources or employer insurance benefits.

When is the next tribunal hearing?

The provincial land planning tribunal will resume hearings on November 16.