(Image Credit: Kent Simmonds/CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

FATE OF PATHWAYS

North Shore businesses widely support closure of Pathways shelter; operator calls for collaboration

Mar 13, 2026 | 5:08 PM

KAMLOOPS — With the fate of the Pathways North Shore access hub shelter being opened up by council for public submissions, the North Shore Business Improvement Association (NSBIA) has taken stock of the impacts felt by local shops.

The NSBIA sent out a simple question to businesses within 200 metres of the Pathways shelter on Tranquille – are you in favour or opposed to an extension for the shelter?

Eighty-six per cent of respondents indicated they are hoping not see an extension for the shelter at the former Butler Auto and RV lot when its temporary use permit expires this July.

“We just wanted to ensure we had a clean set of data that had a real understanding of where our membership stood on this issue, and so that is why we have gone this way,” said NSBIA Executive Director Jeremy Heighton. “That’s really all we have to say on this topic. We want to keep it really short and to the point.”

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“At this point in time, we have conducted the first level of survey. It’s 86 per cent opposed, 14 per cent in favour.”

The NSBIA is requesting written submissions from the wider North Shore area, but the sentiment among nearby businesses is firmly in opposition. 

“City council needs to think about these people, but also think about the businesses because if businesses are not there, it’s not good,” said Shivam Verma, the owner of Let Set Go Auto Nation. “People are not getting proper services, Kamloops gets affected, people get affected, and then it’s not good. We would have to consider moving somewhere else.”

ASK Wellness was selected by BC Housing to operate the shelter, which opened in January last year. It has extended an invite to the business community, saying the only way forward is through collaboration. 

“The question now is how do we come together to try and at least say, ‘Let’s not have two different camps throwing darts at each other.’ I won’t do it,” said ASK Wellness CEO Bob Hughes. “The business community is frustrated and they are frustrated across this province with what they are seeing with the impacts of homelessness, addictions and crime. And they have every right in the world to say something has to change and give.”

Hughes believes much of the disorder in the neighbourhood is not as result of the 44 people staying inside Pathways.

“We have people who are camping along the beach. This is a serious serious issue and I have zero doubts in saying this is contributing immensely to the problems that the businesses in the neighbourhood are facing. And we have to ask ourselves, ‘What are we doing about the encampments that are along there,'” said Hughes.

Anecdotal evidence from those around the area may concur, but the note the issues remain regardless.

“When they don’t get a bed to sleep, where do they go? They end up on the streets and when they end up on the street they come to our shop, our staff, our customers – they don’t feel safe at all.”

Council has yet to announce a date, time and location for where public submissions will be held.