The Ksan Society is set to open a temporary overflow shelter on Lakelse Avenue in January, providing 10 additional beds for those experiencing homelessness this winter. The shelter, located at the former Turning Points emergency shelter on the 4400 block of Lakelse, will operate with funding from BC Housing.
The space was previously converted into offices after Turning Points closed, but it will now serve as a winter shelter to offer an alternative to outdoor camping. This new facility aims to reduce the risks of exposure and overdoses and alleviate pressure on local law enforcement and community safety officers.
The temporary shelter will be open nightly from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. for three months, with staff on-site during those hours. It will be used only when the existing shelters, Joe’s Place and Ksan Place, reach full capacity. The Ksan Society has added extra beds to these shelters in response to increased demand for shelter services.
While some local residents have expressed concerns about shelters in the area, Ksan’s executive director Amanda Owens stressed the importance of providing basic shelter and safety for vulnerable individuals. The city is also working with social service agencies to provide warming centres during extreme cold weather events.
