Kelowna Chamber of Commerce raises concerns about downtown shelter extension

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce has said it will be “seeking answers” after BC Housing’s decision to keep the Cornerstone shelter open indefinitely.

Nikki Csek, the Chamber’s president, said businesses in the city have “long accepted” the need for shelters, but added that worries remain within the community.

“The concern with Cornerstone is its close proximity to the Gospel Mission, its large number of clients, and the fact that open drug use is permitted in the facility,” she said.

She added: “The Chamber only has a small portion of its membership in the downtown area but we do understand the frustration with the current situation as many businesses have been hit with vandalism over the last number of months and costs associated with safety measures have led to increased levies and tax hikes.”

Around $2.4 million in funding was allocated to the 80-bed shelter, which was previously scheduled to close on June 30.

It first opened in Leon Ave. back in November 2017 and was intended to be temporary.

But in March 2018, it was announced the shelter would stay open another year.

After last week's extension, it no longer has a closing date.

The Chamber stressed that, after so many extensions to previous deadlines, it is crucial to know how long “indefinite” actually means.

It also called on BC Housing and others involved in the project to meet with businesses and landlords in the area to reassure them that safety measures are being put in place.

The organization will be seeking input from businesses near the shelter to “better understand their concerns”.

Other concerns for the Chamber include the cost of the shelter up to the current date, the length of the property's lease extension and whether the facility is expecting to reduce its client numbers over time.

“We are pleased with a renewed commitment from the City to engage businesses in the downtown on an ongoing basis while Cornerstone is phased out and are also pleased that our efforts to reach out to BC Housing officials have led to a commitment from CEO Shayne Ramsay to come to Kelowna in July to speak at our monthly luncheon series,” added Csek.

“We expect Mr. Ramsay will discuss BC Housing’s current efforts to expand non-market housing in Kelowna and elsewhere.”

The City of Kelowna, meanwhile, gave its full backing to the extension of Cornerstone.

“We understand and share the frustration of the community around the Cornerstone shelter but if we close now, it would pose a greater risk of impact to the community and the residents of Cornerstone,” said Lance Kayfish, the City's director of community safety.

“Not only are people provided with shelter but the supports inside the shelter save lives.”

As well as being president of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, Nikki Csek is the CEO of Csek Creative. Csek Creative owns NowMedia.