The Former Champions Centre Location at 451 N. Railway St. (green building at right) is the proposed location for an overnight homeless shelter, the city's planning commission heard Wednesday.--News file photo
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A decision on whether to allow an overnight homeless shelter on N. Railway Street has been postponed by the municipal planning commission, which told the applicant, the Mustard Seed, to consult with nearby business owners.
At the same time the chair of the commission said Wednesday that the application to allow a two-year temporary permit has the potential to become “a landmine” and should spur the city to move forward on a plan to find space and money for a permanent shelter location.
“I see that as the challenge,” Coun. Darren Hirsch told Wednesday’s meeting where the change of use application for the former “Champions Centre” location was heard.
“We’ve just passed (at council) a strategic plan that outlines in detail that we will address social needs in this community.”
The site, at 435 N. Railway, was at the centre of a similar debate last summer when an emergency daytime shelter related to the pandemic was set up in the space across from the CP Rail station in a business block.
The need for new overnight space arose this summer.
The Mustard Seed took over operations of the Salvation Army’s Centre of Hope overnight shelter in April, at the current location, but have been told the property could be put up for sale in the fall.
They need three to four months for construction to arrange the upstairs to accommodate up to 25 spaces for overnight stays.
Colette Eirich, the Mustard Seeds’ managing director, said the facility hasn’t operated as a shelter since last summer, and can’t be held responsible for any current problems or the acts of individuals it is not in contact with.
“There are three hotels in the area, and other individuals,” she said. “We are there to help the most vulnerable when they are ready to accept help.
“That’s our obligation to the community.”
The plan concerns Ryan and Kirsten Beck, who own several properties nearby and are actively improving them.
“The area is buzzing, people are down there and I feel like this will set that back,” said Ryan.
After 90 minutes of discussion, the motion was tabled to the June 13 meeting, with the request that the Mustard Seed further explain the plan to business owners.
During the meeting, Eirich said the shelter would operate from 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., at which point clients typically move to the group’s community wellness centre on Allowance Avenue. Dinner is provided at a third location, then guests typically return for the night.
MPC member Ken Murdock said the service is needed but problems are likely to arise.
“My concern is to try and minimize the effect that this will have on the neighbourhood,” he said, adding that if community cleanup and engagement follows it could be a net benefit. “I’d like to see some teeth in these conditions.”
The Mustard Seed filed a “good neighbour” policy alongside the application and mailed to neighbouring property owners explaining staffing levels and operating procedures as well as mitigation plans for litter and loitering.
Administrators say an average of nine to 14 shelter clients a night is typical, but in colder weather the number rises.
Generally, commission members said the location is not ideal, considering city planning goals of revitalizing the business district, but perhaps could serve as a stand-in for a short term.
City planners suggested a two-year temporary permit that would need to be renewed. They are working on an independent area redevelopment plan for the downtown and adjacent areas, which may better define land use, said officials.
