The lease is up in less than a week for Lift Community Services’ shelter on Joyce Avenue, but the society hasn’t been able to find an alternative shelter for around 56 people.
Councillor Trina Isaksen suggested staff report back to council with options for a temporary place for them shelter in city-owned buildings or empty lots until a better solution can be found.
She said leaving people experiencing homelessness to fend for themselves could put them at risk, and would also be an affront to their dignity.
It could also have negative impacts on the community.
“As people seek shelter in unconventional places, that could result in impacts,” she said. “For example, we’ve seen accidental fires happen in our forests. We see people using private property to shelter or to use the toilet, and that’s not preferable to anyone either.”
Council unanimously supported her motion at the Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, and will review staff recommendations as soon as they come back.
Council previously passed a motion to notify BC Housing that the city was interested in working on a longer-term solution at a site on Barnet Street.
