The Mayor of Courtenay is openly frustrated with the long timeline BC Housing has set for building the city’s new homeless shelter. The delay is raising concerns about the safety and well-being of people who need shelter now.
Mayor Bob Wells told local media, “I’m honestly gobsmacked that we still have two more years before this shelter opens, barring any delays.”
BC Housing is planning a new shelter and supportive housing complex at 925 Braidwood Road, situated between Braidwood and Ryan Road. The project will offer about 140 beds once completed.
The land for the shelter was bought in March 2024, but talks with the city have been ongoing since 2021.
This week, city council learned that construction will not start until late 2025 at the earliest. The shelter is expected to open in summer 2027, with the supportive housing opening planned for winter 2027.
Mayor Wells pointed out the real impact of this delay. “We’re looking at two more full winters without this shelter. That’s a serious risk for people who need a safe place to stay,” he said.
The new shelter will replace the Connect warming centre located downtown. The warming centre opened in 2020 as a temporary solution and was only meant to be open for six months to a year.
On Wednesday, a delegation from BC Housing spoke at Courtenay city council. They acknowledged the delays and apologized to both the council and residents.
Tara Schmidt, acting director of regional development for Vancouver Island, said, “We are working hard to reduce the timeline and will coordinate with our development manager to see what we can do.”
BC Housing told local media that while schedules can change during this phase of a project, there have been no major adjustments yet.
Since buying the Braidwood site, BC Housing has completed due diligence, hired consultants, moved forward with building design, and applied for city permits.
The project is said to be progressing on a standard timeline. The development permit has been granted, and the building permit application is with the city, awaiting approval.
Construction is hoped to begin in November 2025, assuming municipal permits, tender processes, and funding are secured.
BC Housing stated, “If construction starts in November 2025, the shelter could open in summer 2027, and supportive housing by winter 2027.”
They added, “We understand the urgency and share the city council’s eagerness to get these much-needed spaces open.”
The extended timeline has sparked concern about how the city will support its homeless population in the meantime. The current warming centre has been stretched far beyond its intended temporary use, leaving many to wait for a permanent solution.
As the community waits, the need for safe, accessible shelter remains critical.
