Kamloops council asked to consider 3-year extension to Pathways shelter

“The shelter provides emergency accommodation alongside health, cultural and housing supports on Kamloops’ north shore for people experiencing homelessness,” report author Eric Beach, the city’s current planning manager, said. “The site was established in response to a significant gap in shelter services on the North Shore.”

“It was strongly advocated for by the Kamloops Access Hub Leadership Group which included members from the City of Kamloops, Tkemlúps te Secwépemc, BC Housing, Interior Health, the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, the business improvement associations, and shelter and social housing operators.”

The 44-bed Pathways facility opened its doors on Jan. 27 last year after city council approved a 20-month temporary use permit, which is set to expire on July 26 this year. During a tour of the facility last January, ASK Wellness said it had done “a lot of community outreach” with neighbours and that “it’s been largely positive.”

“I think at first people were thinking ‘we’ll you’re concerned about people in the shelter but what do you care about the spillover and what happens out there.’ Obviously, its hugely important for us,” Jeremy Cain, the Director of Outreach and Clinical Supports for the Ask Wellness Society, said at the time.

“For them, I think the proof is in the pudding, and I think when they see us have people here and that we’re active out there, its going to reinforce the idea that we’re partners and that we’ll be there and responsive [to concerns].”

NSBIA to gauge impacts of proposed extension

In February last year, the North Shore Business Improvement Association (NSBIA) also said that it would watch to ensure there are no impacts to businesses caused by the new shelter.

The NSBIA declined an on-camera interview Friday as it told CFJC Today that a consultation process with businesses located in proximity to the site is underway.

“These discussions are intended to ensure that the perspectives of affected businesses are appropriately considered and represented,” the NSBIA later said in a statement, noting it will have more to say next Friday (March 13).

“Until that time, the NSBIA will not be providing further comment regarding this matter, in order to allow the consultation process with affected businesses to proceed in a respectful and orderly manner.”

The NSBIA will also be hosting a private members meeting on Thursday (March 12) so businesses in the immediate area have a final chance to speak to the proposed extension.

In the report, Beach noted Community Services Officers are patrolling the area every four hours. He noted the RCMP’s Street Enforcement Unit – which focuses on proactively targeting criminal behaviour – has also committed to continued patrols near and around the shelter.

“BC Housing continues to support the site through both ongoing outreach services and regular staff engagement,” the report said. “BC Housing remains involved through scheduled on-site visits, with the ability to adjust support levels as capacity allows, and through continued participation in broader coordination tables to help ensure that outreach resources remain consistently focused on this area.”

Over 300 people have accessed Pathways: city

According to the report, Pathways has operated at approximately 95 per cent occupancy since it opened its doors. It also noted that 304 people have accessed the shelter since it opened, with approximately 85 per cent identified “as an appropriate fit for the shelter model.”

“[A total of] 45 individuals (15 per cent) presented behaviours that were too complex or unsafe to be effectively supported within a congregate shelter environment,” the report said.

City staff also added that the Pathways shelter “supported measurable outcomes” between March and December last year, as 16 participants transitioned into housing, while another 12 were able to get government‑issued identification.

Nine people accessed detox or recovery services, 25 received ministry‑funded health supports and 15 connected to community resources, the report added.

“Closure of the shelter would eliminate available shelter capacity on the North Shore and place additional pressure on emergency services and partner agencies,” the report added.

Property owner ARPA Investments has previously said it plans to redevelop the site into a mixed use development in the future.

You can read the entire report going before Tuesday’s city council meeting here.

by Victor Kaisar

Kamloops council asked to consider 3-year extension to Pathways shelter

NSBIA to gauge impacts of proposed extension

Over 300 people have accessed Pathways: city

Our Community