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The Penticton RCMP is gearing up for an increase in street activity downtown with the closure of the winter homeless shelters at the end of the month.
Police in Penticton say they are coming off a very quiet winter for street activity, something the detachment says is due to an increase in shelter beds and temporary housing in the community this year.
“It’s clear that what was making the difference,” said Const. James Grandy, the Penticton RCMP’s mental health officer, speaking to reporters Thursday.
This year, BC Housing rented out 20 rooms at a local motel to provide shelter for vulnerable people while construction continues on permanent solutions.
Regional commanding officer Supt. Ted De Jager says they will be increasing their presence downtown this summer by moving their five-member Community Support and Enforcement Team into a shared office with city bylaw.
A new dedicated downtown and youth liaison officer, Const. Dave Dickson, will join the team and will have his primary focus downtown.
“We are hopeful that with… the strides that BC Housing, CAST and the city have made, that by the mid-summer housing will all be online and we will be able to solve a lot of that,” De Jager said.
“You end homelessness with housing, it’s simple as that,” he added.
De Jager stressed that being homeless is not illegal, but urges any member of the public that does not feel safe to call them.
BC Housing is currently building a 62-unit modular development on Winnipeg Street that is set aside for those currently on the streets or with a history of homelessness.
The long-awaited Compass Court transitional housing development at the old Super 8 Motel is still under construction after lengthy delays. Penticton city council originally approved the BC Housing plans at that facility back in August 2017, but it’s opening has been pushed back numerous times.
Once it comes online it should provide another 42 units to those with a high risk of homelessness.
For the working poor, Ellis Don is also putting the finishing touches on an 40-unit apartment building on Backstreet Blvd. that will be turned over to BC Housing when completed. BC Housing is also building a building for low-income families and seniors on Brunswick Street.
