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(ADAM PROSKIW / iNFOnews.ca)

The City of Kamloops is buying land on the North Shore to turn into a homeless services hub, but it won't be open before the closure of two key day spaces in the city.

Just days before the Mustard Seed day space and The Loop are expected to close, the City announced it is putting the final touches on a deal to buy a North Shore property for what it's calling an "access hub," according to a City of Kamloops news release issued today, July 30.

“The City had the ability to act more quickly than our provincial partners to secure this opportunity. We decided to take leadership and make things happen. We are eager to see BC Housing and community partners open this site as soon as possible," city councillor and deputy mayor for July, Nancy Bepple, said in the release.

The location wasn't announced, but the City said council authorized the purchase in a July 16 closed council decision.

Meanwhile, coordinator for The Loop on Tranquille Road, Glenn Hilke, said he's planning a protest in front of city hall today at 1 p.m.

"Kamloops cannot be a city of 100,000 and not have a daily day room and drop-in centre. Drop-in centres and day rooms are an essential link in the chain of wrap-around services," he said in a news release announcing the protest.

He said no service agency will be able to fill the gap left downtown when the Mustard Seed closes its day room. After July 31, the West Victoria Street soup kitchen and service hub will only be open to regular clients at the Mustard Seed.

On Tranquille Road, Ask Wellness opened a meal service with an on-site nurse, but it doesn't provide as many meals as The Loop.

The idea for an access hub was proposed by the North Shore business association as a site that would offer social and health supports to the homeless. Executive director Jeremy Heighton said the business association has been advocating for the proposal over the last 18 months.

The Loop has long been a target of opposition and criticism, and the access hub would potentially replace what services Hilke offers at 405 Tranquille Road. It was purchased by realtor Brendan Shaw earlier this year and expected to close July 31.

Although the City is buying the land for the access hub, it's planning to pass ownership on to BC Housing, which will then find an operator "with urgency." The City is also working with Interior Health to offer health services at the site, but it's not clear whether there have been any commitments.

The City goes on to say in the release it will provide shelter and an access hub "for the coming years," but it will also be rezoned for a multi-family residential build and eventually be redeveloped.

The City is planning to host in-person community engagement sessions ahead of its opening. There's no set date for it to open, but the City's community and culture director said they intend to open by this winter.

Regarding his protest, Hilke said the announcement does not change his plans as people who rely on the Mustard Seed or The Loop are still likely to have their last meal at those facilities on Wednesday. The access hub doesn't meet the urgent need for a replacement, he said.

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