PRINCE GEORGE

Thursday, January 18, 2024

The proposed Transitional Housing Facility for 3rd Avenue is a step closer to becoming a reality following City Councils approval to add the site preparation costs to the 2024 – 2028 Financial Plan with a total budget of $468,126.

The decision was made at a special council meeting on January 15, after BC Housing sent a request for contribution to the site servicing on January 12, as well as the City receiving a servicing brief for the project.

As reported earlier this month, the City has been advocating for the Province to create a transitional shelter facility to address the city’s immediate need for the provision of safe shelter space for the unhoused. This transitional facility is proposed to be temporarily located on a City-owned property bordered by London Street, 3rd Avenue, and 4th Avenue.

According to the Servicing Brief provided by BC Housing, the Transitional Housing Facility Project proposes to accommodate 44 units for overnight sheltering with additional amenity/storage trailers with use of temporary trailers. The site design population has been calculated based on up to two people per unit for a maximum population of 88 people. BC Housing has indicated that the Transitional Housing Facility Project would include drinking water, washroom facilities, and food services.

In addition to financing for site preparation, Council will need to provide approval for a temporary use permit (TUP) once BC Housing has applied for one at a future date. This TUP will bring the property zoning into compliance and allow for the transitional housing facility use on the subject property. A TUP allows this use for a three-year period. The City will also need to enter into a formal lease agreement with BC Housing for use of the subject property.

“We’re glad we now have the information in front of us to address what is needed by the City so BC Housing can move this project forward as quickly as possible and get this shelter established,” Mayor Simon Yu said.

“We have agreed to expedite the site service connections and the grading work, and we hope this means the rest of the project will continue to move forward at a rapid pace too.”