Castlegar’s new year-round shelter, planned for 2245 6th Avenue, will be operated by the Castlegar and District Community Services Society (CDCSS).
BC Housing says it selected CDCSS to operate the shelter through a “fair and open process.”
CDCSS is a local non-profit operator that has been working with the city’s vulnerable population for over 40 years. The organization will be in charge of the shelter’s operations and will provide services to guests.
Plans for the year-round shelter were announced in June 2024, after BC Housing cancelled its funding of temporary homeless shelters in April, prompting the closure of the Out of the Cold Shelter located on Columbia Avenue.
The shelter was originally slated to be completed by early 2025, but BC Housing now says it expects the building won’t be ready until late 2025, pending approval of required temporary use permits and the completion of renovations.
Once completed, the shelter’s 24/7, year-round services will include up to 20 semi-private beds, 24/7 staff on-site, meals, laundry, and washroom and shower facilities.
There will also be safety and security features, which BC Housing says are for the benefit of both shelter guests and the surrounding community.
The safety and security measures include controlled access, site fencing, outdoor lighting, and security cameras.
Community engagement
BC Housing has scheduled three in-person information sessions for January 22.
These sessions will provide the community with an opportunity to learn more about the shelter, its supports and services, the project timeline and renovations, meet project partners, ask questions, and learn more about how to get involved.
The three sessions will be held at the Mercer Celgar Board Room at the Castlegar Confluence.
Available session times:
- 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Registration is required to attend and can be completed here.
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