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By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Homeless safety

Wellness centres to open in Chilliwack soon with Council decision

Nov 10, 2022 | 2:12 PM

CHILLIWACK — Three new shelters will open to protect homeless residents from the frigid temperatures that are expected over the winter months in the Fraser Valley.

During a special council meeting Wednesday (Nov. 9) morning, elected officials voted to temporarily not enforce zoning bylaws in three locations where wellness centres will be established. “Council acknowledges how important it is for people experiencing homelessness to have a safe, warm indoor space to go during the winter. In order to help get everyone through the winter safely, Council has resolved to not enforce zoning bylaws in this location for six months,” said Mayor Ken Popove.

The locations identified are located at 45951 Trethewey Avenue, 46146 Margaret Avenue and 45835 Spadina Avenue. The Margaret Avenue location is an expansion of beds adjacent to an existing shelter.

There are some conditions attached to the decision, including the conclusion of a lease agreement between the property owner of the building on Trethewey Avenue and the wellness centre operator Pacific Community Resources Society as well as an agreement with BC Housing to provide operating funds for staffing and security at the other two locations.

The City says it has secured over $1 million in funds through programs from UBCM, Reaching Home, Fraser Health Authority, and BC Housing.

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While temperatures seem particularly frigid this week, the decision by city council is set to expire at the end of March 2023, covering the entire period of winter temperatures through the Fraser Valley.