A temporary shelter site for the homeless on Homewood Road near Nunns Creek Park in Campbell River is growing.
The province announced Monday (Feb. 9) eight more “temporary supportive housing units” to the existing 40 at 1299 Homewood Road announced in late 2024 for a total of 48.
In an interview with Vista Radio, Housing Minister Christine Boyle says demand was there after speaking with community partners.
“In that ongoing dialogue there was a clear need for being able to bring some more people on site and more space to do it and so the province was glad to be able to expand to add these eight more beds,” Boyle said.
She says the province has been working with the City of Campbell River and other community partners, including the Campbell River and District Coalition to End Homelessness, the We Wai Kai First Nation and Wei Wai Kum First Nation.
As for when the units will be available, Boyle says the self-contained homes should arrive shortly.
“I am told relatively soon. There was a slight delay with the manufacturer but we’re expecting them,” she said.
Boyle says it’s been a “really strong partnership” with the city, which covered the capital cost and site preparation.
The capital cost of the eight new units was not available. The original 40 units had cost the province $2.4 million and the annual operating funding for all 48 beds will be roughly $1.6 million.
Campbell River is one of two B.C. communities expanding their sites as part of the second phase of the province’s plan to tackle homelessness.
Also as part of the second phase, Powell River, Cranbrook, New Westminster, Smithers and Squamish have signed on to become shelter partners with the government.
