Council again denies shelter extension, gap in service could begin Oct. 1

The three council members in favour were Ken Johnston, Michael Dawe and Tara Veer.

Emily Damberger, City Planning Manager, says the municipality continues to look at the option of purchasing a building to relocate temporary shelter services.

She admits, however, there’s likely to be a gap in services after Sept. 30, with consequences possible, including an increase in rough sleeper camps, other types of urban encampments, more debris around the downtown, and increased reliance on public washrooms and showers.

There could also be less space for people experiencing street violence to turn to, and a higher demand on RCMP and EMS services.

Mayor Veer says a report will come to council at the end of August outlining purchase options, but that likely won’t prevent a gap in service.

“Pragmatically, it will be very challenging for City staff and for Safe Harbour to pivot that quickly and shift operations within a matter of weeks,” Veer says of the Sept. 30 sunset clause. “I have, in various debates on this matter, articulated my personal concerns of a spillover, should the shelter cease operations where it currently is, into the downtown and parks system. However, that was clearly not persuasive enough for all members of council, so we’ll have to do our best now to find another option.”

Veer added that working through this matter has been stressful due to the constant talk about temporary solutions.

“It’s generated substantial frustration for business owners, vulnerable citizens, service providers, the community at large, council, and City staff,” she says. “I do think council has been genuine in trying to listen to the many competing voices on a highly complex social matter, but there is no perfect answer for complex issues, particularly when we’re in a temporary situation.”

Veer noted too that so much time has been devoted to the temporary shelter, it’s taken time and energy away from focusing on the permanent fix, which the province has set money aside for.

“There are a lot of factors: we’re working on the operating model, and it is progressing,” shares Veer. “The province has made it very clear they want the City to offer location and other options to them in very short order because it is their objective to move construction ahead as soon as possible.”

For Kath Hoffman, executive director at Safe Harbour, council’s latest vote is deflating.

“I can’t believe this is happening. It’s looking terrible for October 1 and through the winter. We’re taking a huge step backwards because we know we’ll have to turn people away,” she laments.

“We can get 26 people maximum in our main building, whereas the current shelter can have 80 at night. But weather isn’t the only factor. We’re going to lose bathroom capacity, there will be no showers, and our donation space will disappear basically. That’s what’s real and what will happen October 1. We won’t be able to shelter all the people who need it.”

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Council again denies shelter extension, gap in service could begin Oct. 1

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