A shortage of extreme weather beds locally is prompting officials to transform Campbell River’s Nunns Creek Park into a temporary overnight warming centre.
Last month, the Salvation Army requested that city council consider a short-term solution by allowing a city parking lot to be used as a temporary centre until a more permanent indoor location is found.
Council approved the proposal on Tuesday (Dec. 7), with a 6 to 1 vote. Councillor Kermit Dahl was opposed, highlighting the city’s ongoing issues.
“I won’t support it,” he said. “I made it to our meeting today in just the nick of time, after getting some feedback on this morning’s stabbing. I believe it’s number five and the second one in a week, within 100 metres of Walmart or 100 metres of Nunns Creek.”
“If this moves forward,” Dahl added, “I hope that the people who do vote in favour of it are willing to accept responsibility for sacrificing Nunns Creek.”
But Councillor Claire Moglove noted that the proposal is the “least problematic” of any possible solution.
That’s because tents already abound within the park. She explained that when a city runs out of shelter space, it must designate outdoor space for tents, under BC law. In Campbell River, that designated space is Nunns Creek.
Homeless coalition voiced concerns months ago: No space, staff
It was back in early October when the Campbell River and District Coalition to End Homelessness (CRDCEH) got the word out that the city was at least 20 beds short this winter.
A lack of space and staff was to blame.
“People are often going to sleep in equipment that’s already wet from the previous night, which becomes a very dangerous situation for illness, injury, and even death,” coalition coordinator Stefanie Hendrickson told our newsroom.
Usually, emergency weather shelters operate from Nov. 1 to March 31, through funding from BC Housing.
“[This is] the first time that I ever can recall that there is no facility. There is no availability of an extreme weather shelter, where people who are experiencing homelessness can get inside and away from the elements. We’ve always had a facility,” noted Councillor Moglove.
According to the city, the warming centre approved for Nunns Creek will provide a hot meal and a safe, dry space from around 7 pm to 7 am.
Unless a permanent location is found, it will operate until March 2022, with heaters, foodservice and cots under a large tent, plus portable washrooms. Equipment and supplies will be stored in an onsite storage unit.
When operational, the centre will always be staffed; however, the city says a lead managing operator is yet to be confirmed, but numerous organizations are working with the CRDCEH to mobilize the response.
The city says the exact cost to set up and operate the warming centre is unknown, but it should be fully funded through grants and donations. In fact, BC Housing will cover setup, operating and material costs.
Bylaw Officers actively patrol the area and will work with the lead agency that will manage onsite operations, the city adds.
Watch city council’s full discussion here.
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*DEC. 14 UPDATE: “To clarify, it was the Campbell River & District Coalition to End Homelessness (the Coalition) that made the request to Council to use Nunns Creek Park, not the Salvation Army,” the city notes.
“The Salvation Army is a member of the Coalition, along with several other organizations in the city. Furthermore, the Coalition is leading this initiative and seeking financial support for the warming centre from BC Housing and other community donors. The Salvation Army has not received donations for this initiative.”
