Credit: Mel Rothenburger

By Mel Rothenburger

ARMCHAIR MAYOR

ROTHENBURGER: BC Housing’s done-deal approach simply isn’t acceptable

Jun 23, 2021 | 4:26 AM

KAMLOOPS — MAYBE BUYING THE FORTUNE MOTEL was a good idea.

Maybe it will prove to be a good location for housing the homeless but, maybe not.

BC Housing‘s long-term plans are a bit vague, and Kamloops City council has every right to be cheesed off about the way the decision came about, announced by way of a government press release saying 40 units will be developed into “temporary supportive homes” and that BC Housing “will work with the City of Kamloops and the community on a plan for permanent use of the property.”

That seems to be the way BC Housing works — buy now, spring the surprise, consult later about a done deal.

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By way of another example, the City of Penticton issued its own media release yesterday, saying it intends to move forward with a lawsuit against the Province over BC Housing’s handling of properties in that city.

Penticton has several grievances. It’s been asking for a review of the impact of three facilities. Four months later, the Province says in a letter a consultant will do a review that will take six months.

Mayor John Vassilaki said Tuesday the letter is “vague” on public engagement and doesn’t represent real movement toward resolution. Penticton wants the review completed before further housing projects go ahead but BC Housing is already planning another one.

The issue came to a head a few months ago when a temporary permit for an emergency shelter ran out, the council rejected an extension, and the provincial government over-ruled the council and kept it open.

Kamloops has had its own issues with BC Housing, so the council here is showing admirable restraint considering the disrespect it’s getting over the Fortune Motel.

As important as accommodating the homeless is — decisions on location can have serious impacts on neighbourhoods and communities, something BC Housing should be a lot more concerned about.

Council should follow Penticton’s lead and raise some hell.

I’m Mel Rothenburger, the Armchair Mayor.

Mel Rothenburger is a former mayor of Kamloops and a retired newspaper editor. He is a regular contributor to CFJC Today, publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a director on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District board. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.

Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.