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Homeless shelter rezoning hearing delayed
City of Cranbrook council Monday night approved delaying a public hearing for a proposed rezoning of a property on 2nd St. N. for a possible homeless shelter.
Council opted to delay until it can meet with BC Housing in a public forum for more information. City administration is working with BC Housing to provide information as best possible to both council and the community.
As part of the council discussion Jan. 4, chief administrative officer Mark Fercho provided some additional comments, identifying that there is currently a contract with a local motel to provide homeless shelter services until the end of March, with a possible extension beyond that date. This location does not provide all the necessary services a proper homeless shelter would provide, a city report added.
The rezoning decision for council is not about if Cranbrook should have a homeless shelter but more about if this the right location for one.
Council passed the first two readings of Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 4026, 2020 on Dec. 7.
The applicant, from Terry Segarty of 2 Baker Developments, is seeking zoning changes to facilitate development of a year-round 49-bed overnight shelter in a portion of the existing building on the subject property located at 209-16th Avenue North.
The proposal includes renovation to half the building where the gym is located, which is approximately 687 square metres in size. Floor plans indicate 39 beds for men and 10 beds for women, separated by a 151.6-sq.ft dining room. There are also separate washroom facilities for the women and men.
City staff will now do a review of potential shelter locations with BC Housing to document the benefits and impacts on the various locations in Cranbrook for council to determine the right location for a shelter, prior to deciding. That has not occurred.
A proponent has applied to council for rezoning on one site in consultation with BC Housing, and now council is tasked to decide in response.
An invitation has been sent to BC Housing to appear as a delegation at the regular council meeting of January 18.
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