Courtenay-Comox MLA Brennan Day wants more clarity over a recent acquisition.
In a press release, Day said 971 Cumberland Road has been purchased by the City of Courtenay to establish a winter shelter under emergency provisions.
Day said while addressing the need is important, lack of public consultation has sparked concerns around transparency and community safety.
“It is essential that we shelter our most vulnerable during extreme weather, but the City of Courtenay and BC Housing have once again done an end run around public input, leaving residents to bear the unintended consequences.”
BC Housing committed funding to the site for an Extreme Weather Response shelter which is contingent on the city to defer zoning restrictions temporarily and secure an operator.
Day said residents and stakeholders have raised concerns about the site’s sustainability, potential impacts on the surrounding area, and how municipal decisions like this are executed.
The facility is scheduled to operate until April 30, 2025, and will accommodate around 20 beds.
Day said with multiple shelter sites being operated, RCMP and city bylaw officer’s limits will be tested in managing public safety.
“The City and BC Housing owe the public clear answers on how this episode will be different and what ‘temporary’ truly means.”
No formal statement from the City of Courtenay about the purchase of the land and its plan for it has been made.
