Sechelt council’s planning and community development committee is supporting the conversion of the Upper Deck Guest House in Sechelt to a homeless shelter.
The Upper Deck has been operating as a hostel at 5653 Wharf Ave. since 2002.
BC Housing’s decision to explore the option of leasing the Upper Deck was prompted by the fact its proposal to lease a District of Sechelt lot at Ebbtide Street and Trail Avenue was taking longer to work its way through the approval process than anticipated.
The agency applied for a three-year lease a month ago, and hopes to install a modular building that could act as a shelter for up to 40 people. The application still hasn’t gone to council for a decision, and even if approved the project would also need an Official Community Plan amendment and temporary use permit.
During a public meeting on that proposal, the Upper Deck’s owner offered the space as an interim solution, but BC Housing needs an amendment to the C-4 (commercial) zoning to allow the shelter use. The building is already home to other businesses including a veterinary clinic, pizza parlour and a bottled water supplier.
If the zoning amendments are approved by full council, the Upper Deck would be run by RainCity Housing as a 24/7 shelter with meal service, and social services such as referrals to health authority programs. The hostel would need some renovations, but no changes are needed for the building exterior.
The committee had the option of recommending the application go forward without a public hearing, but rejected that. “As much as I want this done yesterday, I think we do have to go through the public hearing process,” said Coun. Alice Lutes.
Coun. Darnelda Siegers said she’s aware that representatives from RainCity and BC Housing have already been talking to neighbours about the proposal.
Planning staff said, with the committee’s backing, a first reading could go forward Dec. 6, with a public hearing to follow Dec. 19. As long as all councillors are present, they could then vote on second reading at a special meeting immediately following the public hearing, with final reading and adoption to be considered at the Dec. 20 regular council meeting.
The homeless shelter is currently operating out of St. Hilda’s Anglican Church under an agreement that was supposed to expire in November and has already been extended once. The church space can accommodate only 15 people, and additional shelter clients have had to sleep in tents outside.
BC Housing has scheduled an information meeting on the Upper Deck proposal for Dec. 4 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Sechelt Legion.
