Lyonel Doherty
Times-Chronicle
No matter where you put a cold weather shelter in Oliver, the neighbours will have something to say about it.
Last week the town’s Chief Administrative Officer Cathy Cowan gave council an update on the proposal to establish a shelter in the basement of the United Church at 511 Church Avenue.
She said staff have been trying to find alternate locations since many residents have expressed concern about having the church host such a facility.
She said the owner of the former library building on Station Street was initially open to discuss hosting the shelter, but he subsequently changed his mind.
It was suggested using a mobile facility such as a trailer, possibly at the airport. But Cowan said it would require a number of trailers, which is a cost that the community would have to absorb.
Coun. Petra Veintimilla said it’s frustratingly ironic and sad that council was having this conversation at the beginning of the coldest week of the season when some (homeless) people were sleeping outdoors.
Coun. Aimee Grice said it appears the town is stuck “between a rock and a hard place” right now. In discussing the temporary use permit application for the United Church, Grice said she would like to defer the issue until after the Cold Weather Shelter Committee discussed the issue.
But Coun. Dave Mattes said the longer council puts this off, the longer the process will take. “I have confidence in the committee that will not hang themselves on this particular location.”
Mattes supported the motion to move ahead with the temporary use permit so that funding can be applied for.
But Schwartzenberger said he couldn’t vote in favour of this.
He initially envisioned a temporary shelter used for emergencies only during cold temperatures. He wasn’t expecting a permanent shelter.
“I really think this is the wrong location for that. I don’t believe a shelter of this kind that will be in operation day and night for five months should be this close to a residential area.”
Mayor Martin Johansen agreed.
“This permit is for a use that was not allowed or anticipated when people chose to live in the area and/or purchase their properties.”
Johansen said he has to respect people’s concerns and hopes the committee can find another location.
Grice said it doesn’t matter where you locate the shelter, it’s going to be an unpopular decision.
Coun. Petra Veintimilla said she couldn’t support the motion, either.
“Moving this motion and granting the temporary use permit could be seen as a bit aggressive or hostile by the neighbours and will most likely put those that are feeling angst even more on edge.”
She too agreed to wait for the committee to discuss the matter.
Johansen said he would like to see a detailed operational plan including how security will be managed.
Council decided to table the motion, with Mattes opposed.
