Merit Place Shelter (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

SHELTER LEASE ENDING

Future of Merit Place shelter uncertain as BC Housing won’t address possible eviction

Mar 21, 2025 | 4:26 PM

KAMLOOPS — Uncertainty is abound for a pair of shelter operators in Kamloops as their leases with BC Housing are nearing an end, with little clarity on possible next steps.

The lease for the Merit Place shelter is set to expire on March 31, while the lease for the Stuart Wood shelter, which is operated by the Out of the Cold Society, runs until the end of April.

Both those expiring leases leaves 85 vitally important shelter beds in jeopardy throughout the community.

Merit Place – at the former Greyhound bus station – is Kamloops’ largest shelter with 50 beds, but as of Friday (March 21) afternoon, the Kamloops branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – which operates the facility – had no word on what the future might look like.

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“I think like everyone we are also waiting for news,” CMHA Kamloops Executive Director, Alfred Achoba, said. “We have clients that are asking questions, staff who are asking questions, and we are still waiting to hear from BC Housing whether we are getting an extension or not. Obviously it is creating a bit of panic for everyone.”

In a statement, BC Housing told CFJC News that it is working behind the scenes with stakeholders on the lease agreement, but didn’t provide any details.

“BC Housing is actively working with community partners on opportunities to extend operations of both shelters in Kamloops and will have more to share in the coming days and weeks,” an emailed response from a BC Housing spokesperson said.

When asked directly if CMHA Kamloops could be evicted once the lease ends next week, BC Housing said, “unfortunately, we can’t share any more info at this time on Merit Place.”

That response came as a shock to Achoba.

“I’m not sure what the response will be,” he said. “We have always been able to be innovative, and in as much as its disappointing to hear, I can say that Kamloops has also figured out a way to help the most vulnerable.”

“We look forward to what that would look like, I’m hoping we will have good news in nine days.”

In May 2023, Kamloops Council approved a development permit for a new car wash at the location currently occupied by the Merit Place shelter. At the time, the developers were expected to move ahead with the project once the existing shelter lease had expired.

While the future of Merit Place remains uncertain, Achoba said when the shelter does close – whether its next week, next month, or next year – none of the clients will be left out on the streets of Kamloops.

“That is an assurance, from myself, and from CMHA Kamloops,” Achoba said. “From day one, we have had that commitment that we won’t turn any one away regardless of what the situation is, whether it is cold weather or the ending of a lease.”

“We are dedicated to that commitment and we will no turn anybody to the streets.”

He also said CMHA Kamloops is continuing to try and find a more permanent home for a shelter within the city.

– with files from Victor Kaisar/CFJC Today