The Whispers of Hope society in Grand Forks is being given a bit more time to clear out.
City council has revised last week’s notice ordering Whispers to stop operating within 48 hours.
It’s now giving the society 30 days to bring its Riverside Avenue soup kitchen and thrift store into compliance with city bylaws.
But even if they meet those requirements they’re being told the lease will be terminated in six months.
Council sent the society a letter today explaining its rationale for terminating their lease.
It says Whispers has permitted their building to become unsightly. It also alleges they’re disturbing the neighbourhood in violation of their agreement.
The city says it’s responding to dozens of complaints and thousands of dollars in vandalism repairs.
They say behaviour around the riverside avenue building poses a risk to public safety.
The cite yelling, fighting, and improper disposal of needles.