(file photo/Vernon Matters Staff)

By Liam Verster

20 Beds

City gets new winter shelter

Jan 17, 2023 | 12:12 PM

People experiencing homelessness in Salmon Arm will have access to a new, temporary shelter soon.

The Province of B.C., in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association Shuswap Revelstoke (CMHA-SR) and the City of Salmon Arm, are opening a new shelter that will operate from 8 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily during the winter months.

“We recognize the urgent need to offer safe, indoor housing to those currently sheltering outside in Salmon Arm,” Ravi Kahlon, minister of housing, said.

“While we have invested in more than 5,200 shelter spaces across B.C. this winter season, we recognize shelters are not a long-term solution to homelessness, and through BC Housing we continue to look for opportunities for more supportive housing in the region.”

The shelter, located at the Downtown Activity Centre at 451 Shuswap Street, will be able to accommodate approximately 20 people each night.

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The shelter will also provide people with referrals to health services, warm meals, hygiene facilities, and access to off-site warming centres during the day.

The province, through BC Housing, is providing operating funding for the shelter, which will be operated by CMHA-SR.

“We are pleased that we have been able to secure a temporary space for a winter shelter at 451 Shuswap Street,” said Dawn Dunlop, executive director of CMHA-SR.

“This has been the result of many partners working together. We are excited to open the space and look forward to welcoming and supporting people in our community.”

The space in the Downtown Activity Centre has been leased by BC Housing until April 30, 2023. The province noted BC Housing is also in the process of searching for an appropriate permanent shelter location in Salmon Arm.

The province plans to open the shelter during the week of Jan. 15 to 21, though an exact date was not provided.