HOMELESS – Property owner says new ‘hub’ will meet concerns of residents
(Image: Mel Rothenburger file photo)
The owner of the Tranquille Road property that will be used for an “access hub” for the homeless says the project is an opportunity to alleviate many of the concerns of residents.
Joshua Knaak, a partner in ARPA Investments, which purchased the former Butler Auto property and will lease it to BC Housing for the shelter facility, made the comment today (Nov. 6, 2024).
City council yesterday approved moving towards a temporary use permit for the facility, which will provide 24-hour services and accommodation for the homeless.
“By leasing this space to BC Housing, we were able to ensure that the North Shore Business Improvement Association’s key principles for social service facilities for people who are unhoused were met, as well as other requirements we believe to be necessary to ensure a positive integration with the community,” said Knaak in a news release.
“We understand there may be concerns about this project and we share many of those concerns, as we have a vested interest in the success of this North Shore community, both as residents and investors. ”
Knaak said he sees ARPA’s partnership with BC Housing as well as ASK Wellness — which will operate the hub — as an opportunity to help alleviate many of the concerns for North Shore residents and businesses as well as ensure the developer can directly influence the outcomes of the Community Access Hub.
“ASK Wellness has been a neighbour of ARPA for many years as our offices are next door to their offices and their Stollery Suites housing and The Colours on Spirit Square share space,” said Knaak.
“ASK Wellness has demonstrated a strong commitment to being good neighbours and we have confidence they will be excellent operators of this site. ”
The shelter and Community Access Hub are not “just a shelter” but a new concept that will include 24/7 on-site health services, counselling, showers, washroom facilities, referrals to housing, and much more, he said.
“And in a few years’ time, we anticipate breaking ground on new developments at these sites that will further add to the vibrancy, energy, and growth the North Shore of Kamloops is already experiencing. ”
ARPA plans to eventually develop both the property at 142 Tranquille Road and 118 Tranquille Road. ARPA has entered into an agreement with BC Housing to lease the 142 Tranquille property for 20 months for the shelter and access hub. In the meantime, Knaak said, ARPA will design a new project for the site.
ArmchairMayor.ca 
Some memories of Moira House could have an application with this proposal. BC Housing dropped Moira House where it sits now and it had the blessing of Councillors Sarai, O’Reilly and Bass. The residents who live nearby had no say.
Many of the women whom I would meet on Rivers Trail (Westmount Park area) no longer use Rivers Trail (unless the rapture happened and they were taken to Heaven).
Dare the mention of a place such as was proposed by Councillor Walsh and citizen Hamer-Jackson. Who can forget the comparison by the present Deputy Mayor of a treatment centre to a concentration camp?
Armchair Mayor, I’d like to see a bit more information about a time line for this multi-bed facility to be up and running. It is now November 7th. Moira House took months to construct. One way in and one way out; through a single gate in the chain link fence that stands 8 feet tall and surrounds the place. (No safety concerns from KFR or the Province Fire Marshall on that one?)
Armchair Mayor, would you publish input from the businesses located close to the empty lot, as it stands now?
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This “shelter” is being touted as a new model. Here’s the real model:
Developers, land owners and the poverty pimp industry secure large lease, development and operating funding from taxpayers via BC Housing and/or municipal funding.
Community concerns are rarely addressed. BC Housing refers to each project as a magnificent site and project.
Drug addicts congregate and spread crime and disorder. Business and taxpayer impacts on the vicinity are severe.
Drug addicts are drawn to areas and towns with large service offerings, and the cycle repeats to serve more clients as that demographic grows.
Kamloops used to be a resource town. Now one of the main industries is the one that serves drug addicts.
Rest assured, crime and disorder is coming to that site. Council will use hopeful words, enormous sums of money will be spent and nothing will get better.
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