A controversial animal shelter in downtown Kelowna that was slated to close in June will instead continue to operate indefinitely.
BC Housing announced the announcement regarding the Cornerstone Shelter at 425 Leon Avenue on Friday. The animal shelter, which has been in operation since November 30, 2017, offers accommodation and food for over 80 people.
WATCH BELOW (Aired Dec 1, 2017): Winter homeless shelter in downtown Kelowna. opened
2:42
Winter homeless shelter in downtown Kelowna. opened
Downtown Kelowna Winter Home opens – December 1, 2017
Cornerstone was originally set up as temporary accommodation for the winter of 2017-18 and was due to cease operations in 2018. However, BC Housing has consistently extended the property’s closure since then, including an announcement on March 5 that it will remain open until June.
The story continues under the advertisement
In a statement, BC Housing said the province is working with the city of Kelowna and community partners to continue Cornerstone operations “to help people affected by homelessness while permanent housing is being built.”
BC Housing added that the province will allocate approximately $ 2.4 million annually to keep the shelter “open until another location is found or people are relocated and housed”.
CONTINUE READING:
Kelowna corporate groups oppose expanding downtown homeless shelters
“We understand and share the frustration of the community around the Cornerstone Shelter, but if we shut down now it would put the community and residents of Cornerstone at greater risk,” said Lance Kayfish, director of community safety for the City of Kelowna.
“The people are not only given shelter, but the supports inside the shelter save lives.”
The Downtown Kelowna Association was unhappy with the announcement.
WATCH BELOW (Aired Mar 6, 2019): Kelowna Homeless Shelter receives another extension
1:54
Kelowna Homeless Shelter receives another extension
Kelowna Homeless Shelter Receives Another Extension – March 6, 2019
“DKA is once again disappointed with BC Housing’s announcement that Cornerstone on Leon Avenue will remain operational,” DKA said in a press release.
The story continues under the advertisement
“DKA continues to believe that a large accessible homeless shelter like Cornerstone should not be located in the center of downtown Kelowna, in close proximity to numerous other social services on Leon Avenue.
“This concentration of social benefits has contributed to numerous difficulties for DKA member companies over the past 18 months, including an increase in illegal drug activity and vandalism of downtown real estate.”
SEE BELOW (Jul 16, 2018): Kelowna businesses are pulling out of downtown due to growing homelessness
2:39
Kelowna businesses are pulling out of downtown due to growing homelessness
Kelowna businesses are pulling out of downtown amid growing homelessness problem – July 16, 2018
However, DKA said that while it opposes Cornerstone’s Leon Avenue location, it fully supports efforts by BC Housing, the City of Kelowna, the Journey Home Society and others to provide housing in the short, medium and long term Solutions for the homeless population of Kelowna.
The city said that despite efforts, no solution was found for the Cornerstone housing. It also said Cornerstone, despite its challenges, fulfills significant community needs.
The story continues under the advertisement
“Housing is a basic human health need and provides people with a safe place to rest and protect themselves from environmental hazards,” said Dr. Silvina Mema, Medical Health Officer for Interior Health.
“Also, given the ongoing public health emergency from an illegal opioid overdose, the shelter provides a safe place where people can be supervised and connected to life-saving services.”
Similar news
© 2019 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
