New temporary outdoor sheltering site for Kelowna

A new temporary, outdoor sheltering site is being developed in Kelowna to replace the existing site at 890 Baillie Avenue.

The new site is located on the south side of the Rail Trail, just east of its intersection with Richter Street. Construction is underway and the site is scheduled to open early in May.

The city said the site is being built to reflect community input, lived experience and community safety design principles.

“The site will be closer to services, and landscape, tree and plant features will better separate it from the Rail Trail,’ a city news release said. ” Input into the design from the Lived Experience Circle on Homelessness, Bylaw Services and the Kelowna RCMP will optimize safety and security, while also meeting basic needs for people sheltering there.”

Although the site is a temporary solution, the city said permanent features and design elements of the site will be able to remain as landscape enhancements along the Rail Trail once the temporary sheltering site is no longer needed.

“The city’s aim is for every Kelowna resident to have a home. It has made significant progress toward this goal, working with partners like the Central Okanagan Journey Home Society, the provincial government and many others. The opening of McCurdy Place in March marked 300 homes with supports built since 2017, for example,” the release added.

There are still people in Kelowna experiencing homelessness, and due to a 2015 decision by the B.C. Supreme Court, the city cannot prohibit outdoor sheltering when emergency shelters are at capacity.

“We have a legal obligation to allow for outdoor sheltering when shelters are at capacity,” Darren Caul, Community Safety Director, said. “Since fall 2019, the city has chosen to designate and service a public space in a way that balances the rights and humanitarian needs of people sheltering outside with those of the neighbouring community,” Caul added, “There are important advantages to a designated site. Meals, sanitation, garbage collection, as well as social, health and enforcement services can all be focused and provided around this one specific site.”

Caul said more than a dozen sites were considered through the selection process.

“This site was chosen for many reasons, including its size, proximity to services and that it is on City-owned land. While every site presents challenges, this one will be an improvement compared to the existing site at 890 Baillie Avenue,” he said.

For more information about homelessness and outdoor sheltering, visit Kelowna.ca/sheltering.