HOMELESSNESS – Bus depot shelter extended to 2025, Stuart Wood extension official
Former bus depot. (Image: CFJC file photo)
BC Housing has arranged to extend the tenure of homeless shelters at both Stuart Wood School and Merit Place (the former Greyhound bus depot).
The announcement was made today in a Government of B.C. news release that said the leases on both locations have been extended in partnership with the City of Kamloops, Out of the Cold foundation and the Kamloops branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association.
The CMHA manages Merit Place and Out of the Cold manages Stuart Wood. About 50 homeless are sheltered at Merit Place and another 25 at Stuart Wood.
Last week, it was revealed that BC Housing sent letters to nearby residents that the lease on the Stuart Wood shelter was being extended until the end of October. Today’s news release made it official.
The Merit Place shelter, which was supposed to close in June, will now operate at least until March 2025, although another manager might take over next year.
According to the government news release, “Following engagement with community members in Kamloops the Province is adding new fencing and security measures to both shelters to ensure the safety and well-being of all community residents and shelter guests. These measures will remain for the duration of the lease extensions.
“The Province, through BC Housing, is providing approximately $2 million annually for operations at Merit Place. A further $1.26 million will be provided to OOTC to cover operating costs for the shelter at the former Stuart Wood School.
“BC Housing is working with the City of Kamloops and local community partners to identify additional shelter locations.”
— Mel Rothenburger
ArmchairMayor.ca 
I’m fine with that, but we all need way more security around. It should be included with the grant or where the money is coming from.
I never was really worried about shopping at night in Sahali or downtown. I am a little concerned now.
Your reported numbers come to approx $3.25 million or $43,000 annually per shelter occupant/resident. Are these numbers based upon a 12 month shelter operation or for the original planned six month operation? I find these numbers to be shockingly high considering what is provided, am I out of touch?
A fence? Likely a chai link or some sort of semi-temporary which is gonna look great, a statement it will be! A statement to descent into decay.