A new permanent shelter for Cranbrook’s homeless population has been purchased by the Government of British Columbia.
Located at 209 16th Ave. N, the two-lot property will be renovated into a 40-bed shelter to open in late 2023 as part of the Province’s permanent housing plan.
Community Connections of Southeast BC will operate the shelter around the clock after previously operating the temporary Travelodge shelter, which will shut down once the new location is up and running.
View more information from The Government of British Columbia below:
People experiencing or at risk of homelessness will soon have a new permanent shelter to rely on as the Province, through BC Housing, has bought a property in Cranbrook.
“This purchase ensures vulnerable members of the Cranbrook community have access to safe and secure shelter spaces with supports, year round,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “Our government will continue to take decisive action through our Permanent Housing Plan to ensure people experiencing homelessness receive the housing and supports they need, when and where they need them.”
Located at 209 16th Ave. N., the two-lot property consists of a former fitness facility and a large parking lot.
Renovations to convert the former fitness facility into a 40-bed shelter are expected to be completed in late 2023, at which point guests staying in the community’s temporary Travelodge shelter will transition to the new space. The Travelodge shelter will then close.
Community Connections of Southeast BC (CCSBC), an experienced non-profit operator, will operate the new shelter.
Staff will be on site around the clock to provide guests with support services.
CCSBC also operates the temporary Travelodge shelter and already leases half of the former fitness facility for office and program space, which will not be affected by the renovations.
“Community Connections is grateful and excited that this project is going ahead,” said Nancy Reid, executive director, CCSBC. “The community has been looking for signs of progress towards a permanent shelter and this brings us closer to seeing that happen. This is an important step in developing a continuum of housing in Cranbrook.”
“On behalf of Council, I want to thank the Province and BC Housing for their investment in the City of Cranbrook,” says Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Price. “This purchase represents a commitment to Cranbrook, and demonstrates that the Province is taking action on the issue of homelessness, something that we have been advocating for. Today’s announcement shows that Premier Eby and the Province recognize our concerns and is committed to working with us on social issues.”
– Article contains statement from the Government of British Columbia and City of Cranbrook
