BURSTThe town of Smithers has taken the final steps in allowing BC Housing to set up a semi-permanent shelter in a previous temporary shelter’s location on Third Avenue, despite some opposition from neighbours. The decision was not unanimous amongst town council.
Town council approved the plan in June and on July 14 voted to give BC Housing a temporary use permit as well as a development variance permit.
The shelter will accommodate 25 beds and include additional space for a kitchen as well as a reception and office space for staff.
The permit will be be valid from October 1, 2026, for a three-year term, or an earlier date that aligns with the opening of the Alfred Avenue supportive housing and shelter development, whichever comes first. That project is slated to be done in the winter of 2028.
The semi-permanent shelter project is part of the province’s Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) initiative.
The temporary use permit comes with some conditions including new fencing to be installed, relocating the proposed gazebo and the facility must operate in accordance with the plan proposed.
Town staff said the proposed building and site upgrades will ensure safety of the shelter users and public alike. Prominent features in this regard include controlled access fence gates, removal of the existing coniferous trees next to the building, installation of a gazebo on the rear yard as an additional amenity and building upgrades to comply with the provincial building and fire code requirements.
Council also agreed to exempt the proposed development from all off-site works requirements but they were very divided on the decision.
Councillor Frank Wray was worried if they didn’t give them the exemption, BC Housing would pull out from the project while Councillor Laura Leonard didn’t think it was fair to other businesses that must comply.
BC Housing hopes to start renovating the Third Avenue building this summer. Those renovations include landscaping, fencing, upgrading the washrooms and a fresh coat of paint on the exterior. An operator of the facility has not yet been chosen.
The idea is to close this shelter once the permanent housing structure on Alfred Avenue is up and running, likely in the winter of 2028.
Before council voted, there was a public opportunity to speak about it. Two people living in the neighbourhood spoke in opposition.
Scott Marko questioned the ability for the town to enforce any rules and Blair Wind was concerned about opening an emergency shelter that may not be as helpful to those trying to get off drugs as a supportive housing unit.
Councillor Sam Raven said she is hopeful that the temporary overnight sheltering location, also known as the encampment near Veterans Park, will be closed down once the supportive housing project on Alfred Ave is complete, citing success in Prince George.
Councillor Frank Wray said he understands the frustrations from the community and council and town staff have been working hard to find solutions.
“This has not been easy” he said. “From the very first homeless encampment that was forced on us by the the province during COVID, without any consultation to the Town or the people of the town, this problem has been getting worse and worse and worse.”