Despite low numbers of people using the city’s designated overnight shelters, they will stay as is, for now.
The city is legally required to provide overnight shelter space for people who are homeless. Since the space on Homewood Road has been developed into a 40-unit village, two other spaces have been designated, one in Ostler Park on the foreshore and the other by city hall.
However, staff reported to council this week that they are hardly being used. That’s probably because of accessibility and proximity to services, limited privacy, and limited shelter from the elements.
Staff will continue to monitor the sites, review costs, and report back to Council with a progress update in spring. More than $300,000 has been allocated to operate the sites.
