Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz (Image Credit: CFJC Today / File Photo)

By James Peters

Homeless Shelter

Merritt mayor seeks apology from B.C. housing minister, citing slight over homeless shelter town hall

Sep 6, 2024 | 2:38 PM

MERRITT, B.C. — Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz is asking B.C. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon for an apology after the ministry opted against sending a representative to a Merritt town hall meeting, citing “concern for their safety.”

The town hall was held Thursday evening (Sept. 5) to discuss a B.C. Housing decision to move Merritt’s homeless shelter to 2702 Nicola Ave., formerly home to the Knight’s Inn.

The previous shelter, in the former Desert Inn, closed last month.

Goetz says the ministry was asked to send a representative to the meeting but declined, citing safety concerns.

In his letter to Kahlon, Goetz says that reasoning is “about (as) offensive to a community as you can get. Are we now considered a city of violent unhinged people?”

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The mayor noted the meeting was passionate and loud at times, but it was necessary and he was never concerned for his safety.

“[B]y not showing up and slighting this city as unsafe for your people to be in it, only shows you have no idea of the hospitality of this city and the passion of our residents,” wrote Goetz.

Goetz asks Kahlon for an apology and a commitment that his staff will continue to work with Merritt officials on “this very touchy situation.”