CORRECTION: This story has been corrected from an earlier version to show that consultations and discussions on a temporary use permit (TUP) will begin. The TUP has not been approved.
A temporary overnight homeless shelter in Grand Forks could get more time to operate in its current location.
City council approved starting discussions on a two year temporary use permit on Monday (Feb. 10) for the 15-bed shelter at 2320 78th Avenue.
BC Housing has asked for a longer extension but some councillors like Christine Thompson are not comfortable with three years.
“I’m very hesitant on allowing or approving another three year temporary use permit because I don’t want to see you guys coming back in three years asking for another extension,” Thompson told BC Housing officials.
As for finding a permanent home, ministry spokesman Tyler Baker says there is progress.
“I believe that we’re close. We’re working really collaboratively with city staff and that’s why it takes time because we’re not just steamrolling in and saying ‘We’re going to put it on the 2nd Street site’ that we already own, right? We’re working with the City of Grand Forks to find something that we all agree on,” Baker said.
As part of the two year agreement, BC Housing would have to provide monthly updates to council.
The idea of monthly reports came from Councillor Zak Eburne-Stoodley, who too was hesitant about a longer agreement and says a shorter time period would prevent “hand sitting” on finding a permanent home.
The shelter has been running since 2019 and served 82 people in the last year.
The ministry estimates around 150 people are homeless in the Kootenay-Boundary census area, which includes Grand Forks. Councillor David Mark guesses 30-40 people are homeless or struggling within the city.
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