BC Housing has asked the City of Castlegar for a Temporary Use Permit in order to operate a shelter planned for 2245 6th Ave.
Castlegar Community Services (CCS) has been awarded the contract to operate the shelter, but the shelter still needs a permit from the city in order to open.
The permit is just what its name implies, it does not change a property's zoning, rather it temporarily allows a specific use for a set period of time with conditions attached. This allows the city to pull the permit if things do not work out as agreed upon.
The application includes details about BC Housing's plans for renovations including a new roof, a new wood entrance canopy on the west façade, exterior repainting, new cladding, new windows, new doors, new interior fit-out, washrooms, kitchen, HVAC and electrical, as well as utility and sanitary upgrades.
In the application, BC Housing says their external upgrades are meant to create privacy for residents and neighbours alike.
They also say safety and security features are planned for the "benefit of shelter guests as well as the surrounding community." These include controlled access, site fencing, outdoor lighting, and security cameras.
"BC Housing investments in the building are aimed at delivering the most effective service to its clients, effectively reducing homelessness in Castlegar, and maintaining a stable and peaceful neighbourhood while doing so," said BC Housing.
The building will open to a fenced and screened patio on the northeast corner adjacent to the railway, providing shelter clients with a private daytime gathering space. Waste disposal and kitchen loading will be located in front of the patio.
Four parallel parking spaces will replace the existing back-out spaces.
A letter from the service provider CSS is included in the application, they promise to ensure 24/7 staffing onsite at the 20-bed shelter with a minimum of two staff present at all times.
"Included in the staffing model will be a trauma-informed approach and a focus on client-led case management to work towards goals," stated the letter. "Another focus of the shelter will be our approach to the community. What made our temporary winter shelter programs so successful in the last few years was our ability to draw in the community."
CSS attributes this to calling out for donations, holding open houses, and attending as many community meetings as possible. They say this has helped educate society and raise awareness for the issues surrounding homelessness.
They also pledge to answer neighbour questions and address any concerns quickly and collaboratively.
The application is expected to come before council some time in February. A resolution drafted for city council's approval restricts the facility to 20 beds. However, exceptions will be provided during extreme weather events.
The city will require the operator to provide the city with a "good neighbour agreement" and communications plan prior to commencing operations.
CCS must also work with the city to develop a Neighbour Liaison Committee that includes at least three representative property owners. The group must meet on a regular basis to ensure any concerns or issues identified by adjacent property owners are addressed in an effective and timely manner.
CCS is also required to provide a report at the end of each operational period to "assess the effectiveness of the good neighbour agreement and operations to inform any necessary changes to the Temporary Use Permit."
BC Housing, CCS and Interior Health held joint information sessions last week primarily targeted at neighbours of the proposed shelter.
CCS Executive Director Reidun Rosi said the sessions were well attended and filled with good discussions.
She said they heard from many who were angry over the site's location or had fears over neighbourhood impacts, but also heard from supporters.
Rosi tried to calm fears but emphasizing CCS's success at their winter shelter the last two seasons, their plan to be responsive to concerns and the 24/7 staffing at the shelter.
She says the nature of the current shelter, that opens just for the winter months, has been detrimental to the city's unhoused population.
"Our hope is that with more consistent support people can have more access and see a longer-term vision of what exiting homelessness will look like," said Rosi.
The facilitators of the community meetings are compiling a feedback report to share with city council at the Feb. 3 council meeting. Representatives from CCS will also attend the council meeting.
