The former Greyhound bus depot in Kamloops. (Photo via Google Maps)
BC Housing has announced a two-year extension for the Merit Place shelter at the old Greyhound bus depot in Kamloops.
It means the 50-bed shelter at 725 Notre Dame Drive – which is operated by the Kamloops-branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association – will stay open until the end of March 2025.
The lease was set to expire in June this year, with the province saying the Kamloops-branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association will continue to operate the facility.
Speaking on NL Newsday, CMHA Kamloops Executive Director, Alfred Achoba, says they have only committed to operating the shelter to the end of March next year.
“And the hope is that during that period, we can work with the province to create a housing plan for the individuals who are currently at Merit Place that would enable us to move them into housing and long-term permanent programming,” he said.
Achoba says CMHA Kamloops will be “happy” to work with the province to help train another provider to take over operations to keep that shelter running past next year.
“We do not disagree that shelters are needed, we agree they are. But I think we need to start working on long term solutions such as housing,” Achoba added.
“This can really strengthen the support that community needs but also sustain CMHA’s mission and programs so that is why we agreed to one year and I think part of the goal is to have discussions around long term solutions as we go.”
Also announced Monday was the extension of the 25-bed Stuart Wood shelter in downtown Kamloops. That shelter at 245 St. Paul Street will be operated by Out of the Cold though this summer and fall, with a tentative closing date of Nov. 1.
“Leases on the former Stuart Wood School shelter and Merit Place have been extended in partnership with the City of Kamloops, Out of the Cold foundation, and the Canadian Mental Health Association Kamloops Branch,” the province said, in a news release.
The Province says it is spending about $2 million each year to operate the Merit Place shelter. A further $1.26 million will go towards operating costs at the Stuart Wood shelter.
“Following engagement with community members in Kamloops the Province is adding new fencing and security measures to both shelters to ensure the safety and well-being of all community residents and shelter guests,” the province added. “These measures will remain for the duration of the lease extensions.”
It also noted BC Housing is working with the City of Kamloops and local community partners to identify additional shelter locations.
