Kamloops city councilors in Kamloops have granted a short-term permit to allow the The Mustard Seed to continue operations at The Gathering Place at 48 Victoria Street West.

City staff had recommend that council issue a short-term facility use permit for 2025, as they have done each year since the summer of 2021.

Natasha Hartson is the city’s acting social, housing and community development manager. She says The Mustard Seed plans to operate The Gathering Place for seven hours a day, Tuesday to Sunday between late April and late September.

The Gathering Place location is central and very accessible for individuals, said Hartson. “It is close to many other services, including nearby shelter operations, the interior health site at Lansdowne, as well as the health and wellness center at the mustard seed. Additionally, it’s right beside what’s referred to as the Mini Storage Facility, which is operated by the Camus Aboriginal Friendship Society and offers access to showers, laundry facilities.”

With the closure of alternative indoor day spaces, The Gathering Place plays a crucial role in providing low-barrier access to essential support and resources for the unhoused population during daytime hours. The program is focused on creating a safe and welcoming environment where individuals can access basic needs.

Hartson says this space provides an opportunity for individuals to rest, build connections, and feel a sense of belonging, making them feel valued as part of the community. “The Mustard Seed has a dedicated team that will be trained in first aid and non violent crisis intervention. They also plan to host special events. They’ve had barbecues. They do have games and activities to engage folks and make a welcoming environment. And they also work closely with the Kamloops original Friendship Society, which runs the mini storage to offer cultural activities and partner with that existing support services that are there.”

In 2024, The Gathering Place program had 3,366 visits. It also serves as a temporary refuge from harsh weather conditions, helping to protect physical health with shade from tents, relief from heat and access to water to keep folks hydrated. “I think a lot of the ways in which they’re supporting those folks is by offering that welcoming location, as I mentioned, like the games and the it’s small things that allow people to come in and feel a sense of belonging and ability to attend. They will be continuing to have the misters and the tents and those types of things that help to sort of leave that heat.”