On Monday night (Nov. 24), Cranbrook Council approved Agent Authorization to the FRESH START Collaborative Society so it can apply for a temporary building permit allowing placement of structures at Common Ground.

The permit would run until March 31, 2027, unless ended sooner if the trailers are no longer useful or needed. This approach would strengthen service delivery where gaps currently exist, reduce migration toward downtown, and support community well-being by ensuring people can access essential services close to where they shelter.

The closure of the Travelodge has created a significant gap in after-hours support for vulnerable residents in Cranbrook, particularly in the northwest area where existing services are unavailable evenings and weekends.

With reduced cold weather funding this year, more unhoused individuals are expected to move toward the downtown core in search of warmth, food, and connection. To ease this pressure and support residents where they are currently sheltering, service providers are working to expand access in underserved areas—similar to recent efforts on the southeast side of the city through Ankors East and the Dwelling Place.

At Common Ground, an undeveloped sheltering site, providers have proposed placing two temporary ATCO-type trailers to deliver essential services such as hot meals, outreach, small-group programming, and therapeutic supports.

These trailers would not offer sleeping accommodations and would remain locked when not in use.

While mobile RV-style units were previously considered, challenges including availability, cost, towing limitations, and site conditions have made that option difficult in the short term.

A temporary building permit for the ATCO units would offer a more practical and timely solution for winter.

City of Cranbrook photo

City of Cranbrook

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