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Leases for two local shelters have been extended, according to BC’s Ministry of Housing.
On Monday, the ministry announced that the leases on the former Stuart Wood School shelter and Merit Place had been extended in partnership with the city, the Out of the Cold foundation and the Canadian Mental Health Association.
The Stuart Wood shelter on St. Paul Street will continue to offer 25 overnight beds throughout the summer and fall. Out of the Cold will continue to operate the shelter.
Merit Place on Notre Dame Drive will also continue operating 50 beds.
The original lease was scheduled to expire in June 2023, but BC Housing has negotiated an extension until March 2025. The CMHA will operate this shelter.
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,” says the Ministry of Housing in a release.
“These measures will remain for the duration of the lease extensions.”
The province is providing $2 million for annual operations at Merit Place and another $1.26 million for the Stuart Wood shelter.
The City of Kamloops continues to identify additional shelter locations throughout the city.