At a recent city meeting, residents shared their concerns about a new 24/7 shelter and overdose prevention site planned for Barnet Street. Members of the Westview Ratepayers Society spoke before council, asking for stronger safeguards to protect both the community and people using the shelter.
The project, announced in late July, involves a five-year lease agreement between the city and BC Housing. The facility is expected to cost $4.6 million and will serve as a temporary site until a larger supportive housing complex is built near the hospital. The plan aims to address increased homelessness following the closure of the local overnight shelter.
Spokesperson Sherry Burton explained that while the group supports housing and services for unhoused individuals, there are serious concerns that must be addressed before the new site opens. She emphasized the need for a balanced approach that considers both compassion and safety. Burton said the society has already raised issues with local representatives and BC Housing, but many concerns remain unresolved. She highlighted the four pillars of harm reduction—prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and enforcement—stressing that all must be part of the city’s decision-making.
Burton outlined five main requests for the city council regarding the new Powell River shelter. First, she urged that the lease terms be enforced strictly to ensure community safety. If service providers fail to meet conditions, she said, the city should act quickly to correct the issues. Second, she called for independent, third-party security at the site. Past experiences with staff-led security at other shelters, Burton explained, were not effective in protecting residents or shelter clients. The third request was for the overdose prevention site not to be co-located with the shelter. Burton said that placing both services in one space could increase tension, put staff at risk, and deter sober or recovering individuals from seeking support. Fourth, she stressed that the shelter should be a dry facility, meaning no drug use inside. Burton said this would make the site more accessible for seniors, youth, and those in recovery who might otherwise avoid it. Finally, the society asked for an independent audit of Lift Community Services, the organization managing the facility. Burton said such a review would restore public trust and provide valuable recommendations for improving services.
Burton told council that implementing these requests would improve the success of the project and minimize negative impacts. She added that the group has pushed for a community task force on housing but faced resistance from BC Housing. According to her, the city must push back against the current housing-first approach, which she argued has not met the needs of the community over the past six years. She urged council to demand a more inclusive model that protects both shelter clients and local residents.
Mayor Ron Woznow acknowledged the concerns, saying he had tried for years to secure proper security but faced resistance from Lift and BC Housing. He asked if the society had contacted the local MLA for support. Burton confirmed they had reached out in early July and were still awaiting a reply.
Despite the concerns, the project is moving forward with construction of the temporary 40-bed facility at 7194 Barnet Street. Funding of $4.6 million has been allocated through BC Housing in partnership with the city. As planning continues, residents are urging officials to ensure safety, accountability, and transparency at the new shelter. The society maintains that with stronger oversight, the facility can serve the community while minimizing risks and rebuilding trust.
