Williams Lake will soon have access to new shelter spaces at the former Elks Hall building.
The two-storey building, being leased by BC Housing, will begin renovations to meet the needs for shelter residents, with the renovations being accelerated for the upper floor to open in fall of this year.
Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing said “When this new shelter opens, 40 people experiencing homelessness will be able to access beds, basic supports and connections to essential services in the community 24/7 all year round.”
The Province, through BC Housing, will provide $1.2 million for renovations and $2 million in annual operating funds through the Permanent Housing Plan.
Elks Hall will be replacing the temporary shelter at the Hamilton Inn, and will be operated and staffed by the Canadian Mental Health Association – Cariboo Chilcotin Branch.
The Province said that since 2017, nearly 78,000 homes that have been delivered or are underway, with 75 homes in Williams Lake.
This comes after Williams Lake City Council voted in favour of statutory immunity for the former Elks Hall building to be used as a shelter, back in late March.
More information on the new year-round shelter can be found on the Province’s website here.
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