The former Elks Hall in Williams Lake is now the 38-unit Roots on First shelter (Image credit: BC Housing).

By Aaron Schulze

Roots on First

New 38-unit shelter opens for residents experiencing homelessness in Williams Lake

Aug 6, 2025 | 10:57 AM

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — An additional 18 shelter spaces have been built for residents experiencing homelessness in Williams Lake.

The B.C. government announced Roots on First, at the site of the former Elks Hall at 98 First Ave. S in Williams Lake, began welcoming guests in July 2025.

The province, through BC Housing, put $3.2 million toward the 38-unit shelter. Roots on First’s capacity is up from the 20 shelter spaces available at the Hamilton Hotel. The shelter spaces at the Hamilton Hotel were initially provided as an emergency response amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a news release issued Wednesday (Aug. 6), the province says it will provide nearly $2 million in annual operating for the year-round shelter. The Canadian Mental Health Association-Cariboo Chilcotin Branch, which operated the Hamilton Hotel shelter, will operate Roots on First.

“We know there’s an urgent need for more shelter spaces in Williams Lake to make sure the community is strong and safe for both people and businesses,” Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs said. “By bringing people indoors into a safe, stable environment with more support, we’re helping them move toward healthier, fulfilling lives.”

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Previously, the province says services such as daily meals, laundry and shower facilities, storage, extra space, support staff and an overdose-prevention site were unable to be provided in the former Hamilton Hotel setting.

Including the 30 beds at the Cariboo Friendship Society, the province says the total number of shelter spaces in Williams Lake is now 68.