Kamloops city council, Nov 27 (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

ACCESS HUB APPROVED

Kamloops council aims to ensure checks and balances in place for North Shore access hub shelter

Nov 27, 2024 | 12:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — The North Shore access hub spurred a lengthy debate on Tuesday (Nov. 27) as Kamloops city council heard from a gaggle of residents and community groups both in support and against the proposal. In total, the discussion lasted more than three hours before council came to decision to allow the access hub to proceed but with some changes made to the permit to help ensure proper checks and balances are in place.

The first speaker of the afternoon was a developer currently constructing a purpose built rental apartment in the building beside the proposed Butler RV site.

“We view the decision to move forward with this shelter as a complete 180 to what we thought council envisioned for North Shore and for this market corridor. And so we are urging you to please deny this application, find another location for it — just because of the negative impact it will have on our project,” said VP of Development for Cedar Coast Aaron Fedora.

Council also heard from Rob Guido, who just two weeks ago was firmly in opposition.

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“We worked really hard to get where we are, $2 million invested and nowhere near paid it off yet and I’m just concerned about our future, to be honest,” said Guido at the November 5 meeting.

After learning more about the project and having his questions answered, he brought a new message to council Tuesday.

“Can we ensure that these beds on the North Shore to be for the North Shore homeless? And if that is the case, I am in favour for this, because we are right — we need to help the community. It’s not about my business being affected, but we definitely need to have some hard lines drawn,” said Guido.

That message of a hard line was heard loud and clear from council, with Bill Sarai moving an amendment to shorten the temporary use permit from three years to 20 months.

“I think that’s good governance, if that is the case. If everything is running smoothly it will be a quick podium, put our hands up and let them have another 16 months. I think the 20 months is a good check-in for all of us — not just the agencies that are working there but also for us and the feedback from businesses and local residents,” said Sarai.

Social agencies including proposed operator ASK Wellness, as well as CMHA Kamloops, who reported a full complement of 158 shelter beds occupied on Monday night. Both agencies were clear about the need and timing of the project.

“This is the only different shelter where we have had true collaboration to see it succeed,” said CMHA Executive Director Alfred Achoba, noting that ASK, CMHA, Interior Community Services, Interior Health, BC Housing and city staff had come together on the project.

“And if you feel that this project will not be successful, join us. Put in your time, put in your effort, put in your energy, advocate for more — but please don’t stop it. Don’t stop it unless you have a better solution.”

Council voted in favour of the 20-month amendment 6-2, before passing the entire proposal 7-1 with only Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson in opposition, questioning the ‘wet’ shelter status — meaning the low-barrier nature would provide beds for those regardless of their sobriety.

The shelter is scheduled to open the 44 beds before the end of the year.