Victory Church in Penticton.

(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)

After Penticton city council got into a fight with B.C.’s Attorney General earlier this year over a homeless shelter, the two parties appear to have found a solution.

The City didn't want Victory Church to continue operating as a homeless shelter at the end of last winter, but B.C. Housing did.

The Ministry of Attorney General and Responsible for Housing has asked to build a new, permanent 42-bed shelter at 1706 Main St. to replace the one in Victory Church at 352 Winnipeg St.

“Today’s announcement by the province to close the Victory Church shelter recognizes the voices of Penticton residents who, in great numbers, expressed their concerns surrounding the shelter,” Penticton Mayor John Vassilaki said in a press release issued today, Dec. 15.

”Equally importantly, this is great news for Penticton’s most vulnerable who can now seek shelter and care in a facility that is built in an appropriate location. In the lead up to July’s decision, council heard clear public feedback from polls, petitions and letters, that 352 Winnipeg St. is no place for a shelter, and we agree. We are pleased to see Minister David Eby and the province closing this shelter and adhering to the City’s bylaws."

READ MORE: Why is Penticton pushed to keep emergency shelter open while other shelters close?

The City is now in the process of withdrawing from a lawsuit it filed against the province on July 7. Council approved up to $300,000 on the legal challenge and spent $70,000 of it.

"If approved by city staff, this new shelter would make sure that all Victory Church guests continue to have a safe, warm place to stay, with access to the supports they need to stabilize their lives," David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing said in a press release also issued today.

"We will continue to work with the City and our non-profit partners to ensure that all residents in Penticton have a safe place indoors."

Although the relocation still requires the approval of municipal staffers, the City’s release said it is consistent with Penticton’s shelter guidelines, and that the application is being reviewed in order for construction to begin as soon as possible.

B.C. Housing submitted a development permit yesterday, which will allow construction to begin in January and the shelter would open in March, which will coincide with the closure of the shelter at Victory Church.

The new shelter will offer its guests daily meals, hygiene facilities and referral to health programs if necessary. It would be next door to Compass Court, a 20-unit supportive housing building, and Compass House, a 30-bed shelter. 

"Penticton and District Society for Community Living appreciates the support of B.C. Housing as we work to provide safe housing during these challenging times," Tony Laing, CEO or Penticton and District Society for Community Living, said in the Ministry’s release.

"The shortage of affordable housing in our community, the opioid crisis and the pandemic require us all to work together and support each other to reach the goal of ensuring everyone has a safe place to call home," Laing said. "By consolidating our services at one location, we can reduce our impact on the community and continue ensure safe housing for those in need."

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