Information regarding the Temporary Use Permit at 502 Columbia St.

In November 2024, the Lower Mainland Purpose Society applied for a new Temporary Use Permit to operate an emergency shelter, either nightly or 24/7, on the lower floor of the former Army and Navy Department store at 502 Columbia Street. The emergency shelter would have 50 beds and serve men and women. A Temporary Use Permit is needed as an emergency shelter use is not permitted under the property’s C-8 (Columbia Street Historic Comprehensive Development Districts) Zone.

Q: Are all municipalities dealing with homelessness?

A: All municipalities are dealing with homelessness which is a senior government responsibility. For context, New Westminster experienced a 65% increase in homelessness between 2020 and 2023, and neighbouring municipalities experienced similar or higher increases: Surrey (65%), Burnaby (69%), Tri-Cities (86%) and Richmond (91%).

Q: It seems that the Downtown has more homelessness services than other parts of the city. Shouldn’t there be more homelessness services outside the Downtown?

A: The City is working with BC Housing on a permanent 24/7 shelter and additional supportive housing outside the Downtown. Also, there are currently 10 extreme weather mats, 24 emergency shelter beds, 20 transition and second stage housing beds, and 81 supportive housing units located in other neighbourhoods throughout the city. The City, through its Crises Response Pilot Project, is working to ensure a more equitable distribution by neighbourhood/sub-area of facilities services and supports addressing homelessness.

Q: Shouldn’t there be more emphasis on longer-term strategies to addressing homelessness such as permanent supportive housing?

A: The City is committed to longer-term, sustainable solutions to addressing homelessness and is working with BC Housing to develop permanent supportive housing. This includes 52 supportive housing units approved and soon to be under construction at 602 Agnes Street and another 50 supportive housing units and 10 complex care units in discussion for a location outside the Downtown.

Q: Will the emergency shelter at 502 Columbia Street contribute to social issues in the Downtown?

A: The continuation of a shelter at 502 Columbia Street will help to reduce the impacts of homelessness, including sheltering in parks and business/residential doorways and recessed areas; open burning to keep warm or to cook; and the presence of discarded belongings and human waste in public and private spaces. A 24/7 shelter would reduce the daytime homeless population by about half, which is when most businesses are operating and when residents are typically circulating in the community.

Q: What is being done to address externalities associated with the emergency shelter at
502 Columbia Street?

A: BC Housing is working on a response plan, which will address aspects related to cleanliness, maintenance, safety and security for the emergency shelter. Additionally, as a condition of the proposed Temporary Use Permit, City staff is recommending the establishment of a community advisory committee, which will engage business and resident interests in a proactive process to address concerns and issues as they arise.

Q: Is the emergency shelter a temporary use or will it become a permanent use?

A: It is recognized that this property will redevelop at some point in the future. The timing is the decision of the property owner. The Lower Mainland Purpose Society has signed a lease extension with the property owner, which now concludes in November 2028. The City is working with BC Housing on the development of a permanent 24/7 shelter and additional supportive housing outside the Downtown. When realized, this will result in the closure of the shelter at 502 Columbia Street.

Q: What is required to realize a 24/7 emergency shelter at 502 Columbia Street?

A: The property owner would have to provide consent to the operator to realize a 24/7 shelter and BC Housing would have to fund building retrofits in support of it.

Q: How would a 24/7 emergency shelter benefit guests?

A: Currently, the nightly shelter operates from 8pm to 8am on a daily basis. If 24/7, this would reduce the need for guests to move about the community at they try to meet their basic needs during the day, including those related to food, hygiene and shelter. Additionally, it would enhance access to services and supports which typically only operate during the daytime.

Q: Was the community aware of the proposed Temporary Use Permit?

A: Consistent with City practice, Council was informed of an application prior to notices going out to properties within 100 metres of the site, and information being posted in online news media. The notices identify the ways in which the public can provide feedback to the City by e-mail or mail. This FAQ has been provided in addition to the City’s typical practice.

Q: Was the community aware of the proposed option for the 24/7 operation as part of the Temporary Use Permit?

A: The City, as part of the engagement related to the Crises Response Pilot Project, has shared information that the Lower Mainland Purpose Society was interested in developing a temporary 24/7 shelter at 502 Columbia Street. This engagement included the https://www.downtownnewwest.ca/https://www.downtownnewwest.ca/, the Downtown Residents’ Association and the New Westminster Chamber of Commerce. Based on this engagement, a number of participants felt that there would be benefit in transitioning the nightly shelter to a temporary 24/7 shelter.