Penticton's council will weigh a proposal to site a temporary winter shelter on Warren Avenue in the city's industrial area.

The proposal is for a non-emergency shelter and would be operational 24-7 starting in November.

The shelter would be funded by BC Housing and a non-profit would run it if it gets council approval.

A press release from the city notes that operation would also be conditional based on a 24-7 safety and security plan for the facility. 

The proposed location is at 402 Warren Avenue East and be open from November to March 31, 2025, providing shelter and other support such as minor health services and referrals to homelessness support programs. 

鈥淎 review of last year鈥檚 shelter statistics illustrated the benefits of connecting staff from non-profits, BC Housing and Interior Health to work with those experiencing homelessness and then connecting them with proper supports,鈥� said Jamie Lloyd-Smith, the City鈥檚 social development specialist. 鈥淭he recommendation from 100 More Homes and other groups was to provide consistent service delivery for people throughout the winter.鈥�

The location of the emergency shelter that was active from November 2023 into 2024 is no longer available.

That facility, which was opened only when temperatures dropped below a certain level, was located at the warehouse being redeveloped as part of Health and Innovation District project across from the Penticton Regional Hospital. 

The city has said that by making the next project a temporary shelter instead of an emergency shelter would allow it to provide service all through the winter, and would be able to house people during the daytime. 

"During periods last year where the shelter remained open during the daytime during periods of extreme cold, social support organizations were able to get people into housing by being able to spend some time with shelter guests during the day and not making them leave every morning,鈥� said Lloyd-Smith.

Ahead of the proposal going before council, Penticton residents who may be impacted by the shelter can provide feedback through mail or email to the city no later than 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 1 ahead of the council meeting. 

Emails should be directed to corpadmin@penticton.ca and letters should be addressed to:

Attention: Corporate Officer, City of Penticton
171 Main Street, Penticton, B.C. V2A 5A9

The city also asks that any correspondence have the following: Subject: 402 Warren Ave. E.