Province puts up $4M for new permanent homeless shelter in Courtenay, B.C.
The British Columbia government will spend $4 million to buy a parcel of land for a proposed homeless shelter on northern Vancouver Island.
The plan still requires the assent of city council to rezone the land at 925 Braidwood Rd. in Courtenay, B.C., but the city's mayor said the redevelopment will be a "top priority for council and staff."
"The City of Courtenay is thankful to the province and BC Housing for their continued efforts to provide much-needed permanent shelter and supportive housing," Mayor Bob Wells said in a statement Thursday announcing the investment.
"We look forward to working with BC Housing and social-service providers to address this significant need in our community."
Homelessness rising in Comox Valley
According to the city's latest homeless count, the number of unhoused people in the Comox Valley region has more than doubled since 2020, increasing from 132 to 272 by 2023.
If approved, the new site would include 60 supportive-housing units as well as a separate, purpose-built homeless shelter with room for 40 beds, according to the province.
The facility would also include additional space to be used as a cold weather shelter, when required.
"The cycle of homelessness is not linear," B.C. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon said in the release.
"By providing people options through supportive housing and shelter spaces, we are ensuring that people have a safe space to go and access to the resources they need."
Construction to begin in 2025
Construction is expected to begin in early 2025, with BC Housing planning to meet with area businesses and residents later this spring to share more information on the project, the province said.
The Connect Centre, the city's downtown homeless shelter, has been operating on a temporary lease that is due to expire later this year.
"Our community has been working hard to find a new location for a more permanent shelter solution so people experiencing homelessness have additional support,” Courtenay-Comox MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard said in the release.
"Today’s announcement signifies a great step in the partnership between the province and the City of Courtenay to work together to provide supportive housing and shelter in our community."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ontario to ban use of cellphones in school classrooms starting in September
Ontario is introducing a suite of measures that will crack down on cellphone use and vaping in schools.
Zendaya tennis movie ‘Challengers’ scores at weekend box office
Zendaya and castmates Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor have been on a globetrotting press tour to get the word out about Italian director Luca Guadagnino's original film, which opened in 3,477 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
'Do not consume': Gift Chocolate recalled due to undeclared milk, soy
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for a specific chocolate brand sold in Ontario and Quebec.
BREAKING Quebec to invest $603 million to protect the French language
Quebec will invest $603 million over five years to counter the decline of French in the province, French Language Minister Jean-Francois Roberge announced Sunday.
Kitchener family says their 10-year-old needs life-saving drug that cost $600,000
Raneem, 10, lives with a neurological condition and liver disease and needs Cholbam, a medication, for a longer and healthier life.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Murder charge laid after man falls to death from Toronto apartment balcony
One person has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a man who fell from a balcony following an altercation inside a Toronto apartment building.
Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini's execution
Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honor Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution.