BC Housing has applied for a temporary use permit that would establish a temporary shelter for homeless residents at the Island Hotel in Ladysmith.
The proposed facility will provide indoor accommodation for up to 15 people with access to shower, laundry and meal services either on or off-site. Ladysmith’s current shelter, which is run by the Ladysmith Resource Centre Association (LRCA), only has four shelter beds.
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“We know there are dozens of people camping within and around the community who need to access a warm and dry space, and there aren’t currently enough resources in Ladysmith to meet this need,” BC Housing Manager of Media Relations Laura Mathews said.
If approved, the new shelter would provide 10 shelter beds. The shelter would be operated 24/7 by the LRCA. Two staff would be on-site at all times to provide support to guests. Shelter guests would also receive two meals and a snack-bag per day, access showers, laundry, spare clothing, cleaning supplies and first aid support.
BC Housing also plans to renovate the lobby of the Island to create 10 sleeping pods before the shelter opens in the spring. Homeless individuals will not be occupying hotel rooms.
The term of the proposed Temporary Use Permit is until February 16, 2022 or 90 days after the Government of BC lifts the Provincial State of Emergency for COVID-19, whichever occurs first.
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BC Housing will be mailing letters to neighbours inviting them to an information session to be held virtually on February 10.
A copy of the proposed permit will be posted in the window at the Development Services office, 132C Roberts Street, and on the Town of Ladysmith website at www.ladysmith.ca/currentapplications and may be inspected from February 1, 2021 to February 16, 2021 at any time. After this time, Council may consider issuance of this permit.
Anyone wishing to make a submission to Council prior to Council’s consideration of the proposed Temporary Use Permit may do so. Written submissions regarding this permit may be sent to Town of Ladysmith, PO Box 220, Ladysmith, BC, V9G 1A2 or by email to info@ladysmith.ca or delivered to City Hall at 410 Esplanade.