Work is underway to develop a new temporary outdoor sanctuary on the north end of Kelowna, which will replace the nearby existing site at 890 Baillie Ave. will replace.
The new location is approximately 400 meters west of the existing location on the south side of the Okanagan Rail Trail (ORT) east of the intersection with Richter Street.
It is expected to be ready in early May.
The location will be closer to the services, and landscape, tree and plant features will better separate it from the Rail Trail, ”stated a Kelowna City publication.
“Although the location is a temporary solution, permanent functions and design elements of the location can be retained as landscape improvements along the ORT as soon as the temporary protective location is no longer needed.”
According to the city, more than a dozen locations were considered for this new temporary outdoor shelter and the final decision was made for several reasons.
The new location is appropriately sized, is close to a range of services, and is on city owned land.
“While each location presents challenges, it will be an improvement on the existing location at 890 Baillie Ave.,” added the publication.
The goal is for every Kelowna resident to have a home, and the city says it has made “significant strides toward that goal”.
Many people in Kelowna are still homeless, however, and a 2015 British Columbia Supreme Court ruling states that a city cannot ban outdoor housing when shelters are full.
“We are legally required to allow outdoor shelter when the shelters are full,” said Darren Caul, community security director.
“Since autumn 2019, the city has decided to designate and maintain a public space in such a way that the rights and humanitarian needs of people seeking protection outside are brought into harmony with those of the neighboring community.”
Caul explained that there are many benefits to having a designated location, including meals, sanitation, and garbage disposal.
It also allows the social, health, and enforcement services to focus heavily on that one particular site.
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