BC Housing says it now has its application in with the District of Sechelt for a three-year lease on the district-owned property at Ebbtide Street and Trail Avenue.
BC Housing and RainCity Housing are hoping to secure the property for a temporary homeless shelter as part of a larger plan that will eventually see a supportive housing development on a nearby lot BC Housing already owns.
In a statement to Coast Reporter, BC Housing said the application was submitted on Oct. 17.
“Upon a favourable outcome from the municipality, BC Housing will submit an application for an Official Community Plan amendment and a temporary use permit.”
It’s unlikely, however, that all of the approvals could be in place before the current arrangement with St. Hilda’s Anglican Church for a shelter in the church annex expires at the end of the month.
“BC Housing is working with key stakeholders on possible options to ensure the people currently staying at St. Hilda’s Church will continue to have shelter after Nov. 1,” the agency said.
Rev. Clarence Li of St. Hilda’s said the church has been approached about extending the agreement to use the annex until Dec. 1.
The District of Sechelt has not yet released any details about the public process for dealing with the BC Housing application or a timeline for decisions.
