With no signs of development at the site of the new shelter, the Trail Times contacted BC Housing for an update.
Construction of a 25-bed modular unit near the old Trail bridge will start early next year, a BC Housing spokesperson confirmed.
Located on undeveloped municipal property plus a slice of Crown land, the build is slated for completion in spring 2024.
“There have been no changes in the timeline since city council approved the Temporary Use Permit for the new shelter,” the spokesperson said.
In August, Trail council unanimously approved a one-year permit for the lot, which is where the Elks lodge once stood.
Though the application period for a shelter operator closed last month, BC Housing is remaining tight-lipped, saying the successful applicant will be announced when construction is closer to completion.
The 18-bed Bay Avenue shelter will remain open until the new modular build is ready for occupancy.
BC Housing says its goal continues to be safe, affordable, and quality housing.
“The development of this new shelter will reduce the impact of homelessness in Trail, but we also recognize that shelters alone are not a solution to homelessness,” the Crown corporation notes. “People need access to affordable housing with the support services they require for a healthy life.”
The new Trail shelter is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government.
Since 2017, the province has nearly 77,000 homes that have been delivered or are underway, BC Housing said, adding, “including approximately 700 homes in the Kootenay region.”
BC Housing works in partnership with private and non-profit sectors, provincial health authorities and ministries, other levels of government and community groups to develop a range of housing options.
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