Image Credit: Kent Simmonds / CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

SMALL BUSINESS IMPACTS

Tranquille businesses wary of shelter talk around former Butler Auto and RV lot

Nov 7, 2024 | 6:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — Businesses along the Tranquille corridor in Kamloops are expressing concerns about plans to put a temporary shelter in the former Butler Auto lot.

Butler Auto closed this summer and the property was sold to a new owner, who agreed to lease the site to BC Housing for 20 months, before redeveloping the site. In regards to municipal permitting, the decision about the shelter hasn’t been finalized. But council did authorize the city to begin issuing notice of intent around the plans to issue a temporary use permit for that property.

If the temporary use permit is approved, BC Housing would have the ASK Wellness Society operate the emergency shelter, with 24/7 staff on site, health and social programs, meals and other basic amenities.

“A shelter I’m not confident in. I just don’t think we’re ready for that and we don’t have the right processes in line for that,” says Rob Guido, one of the co-owners of Drago’s AutoPro.

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Having spent thousands of dollars on security improvements and replacing or repairing vandalized or stolen equipment, Guido is paying close attention to what’s going on with the currently vacant lot across the street from his auto shop.

“I would love to see another business there. I wouldn’t care if there was an apartment there or low income housing, something like that. But as far as sheltering the homeless and just the plan being approved or suggested so quickly, I don’t think we’ve really thought this out.”

Speaking to CFJC News, Guido reiterates he’s not without empathy for people down on their luck, or suffering from severe mental health or addiction issues. However, a series of costly, criminal incidents over the years has made him wary. He describes various incidents that have requiring him calling 9-1-1, replacing stolen tools, and repairing vehicles and fencing after it was vandalized.

“I’m skeptical of what the neighbourhood is going to look like and how it affects my business,” he says. “Like I’ve said, we put our heart and soul in this, and we really want to make it great for our customers who have been loyal to us for the six years we’ve been open.”

Other neighbouring business owners, like Kaila Fritz of Strange Cloudz Vape, say they’re not without empathy for those who need help, but are worried about the impacts.

“We’ve had multiple windows this year smashed. I think we’ve replaced six windows,” she explains. “Someone started a fire right here in the front door — to try and keep warm, obviously, but it was right up against our livelihood again.”

Fritz says she and other small shops on the Tranquille corridor are hoping their concerns about the shelter’s location will be taken into serious consideration.

“Although I do believe they deserve to have some type of shelter, I don’t think directly in the middle of some people’s livelihoods is where it should be,” adds Fritz.

Those with questions about the project are being encouraged to attend an in-person engagement session on Nov. 21 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre.