Coquitlam re-approves temporary homeless winter shelter program

As winter hits, Coquitlam’s most vulnerable population should have a place to spend the night.

Coquitlam council voted unanimously Monday to renew the city’s overnight winter shelter program at Coquitlam Alliance Church on Spuraway Avenue and St. Laurence Anglican Church, despite a few notes of concern.

During the public hearing, one speaker broached the subject of increased property crime as well as the safety of children heading to nearby daycares.

“There’s never been any issues from St. Laurence or the people around it,” Coun. Brent Asmundson said later in the evening. “St. Laurence has been in from the beginning in this, so it’s not new to the neighbourhood, it’s not new to the people.”

The program is fundamentally different than a permanent shelter, Asmundson said. In some neighbourhoods, residents aren’t aware the program is operating, added Coun. Craig Hodge.

Coquitlam first approved the program in 2007.

Visitors to temporary shelters are driven to the church at around 8 p.m. Walk-ups are not permitted. The 20-25 people bedding down are supervised by two social workers and a manger, explained Progressive Housing Society director Michael Neumann.

Drug use is not permitted inside the church. However, there may be supervised drug use outside the church, according to Coquitlam’s planning manager Andrew Merrill, who explained some guests are: “physically incapable of going overnight without using again.”

With Kyle Centre not expected to offer 20 beds to homeless people this season, more people will likely need the program, according to a city staff report.

Volunteers at St. Laurence often prepare an evening meal, breakfast and a lunch for the guests, explained church parishioner Ross Bremner.

The volunteers who assist with the program are also cognizant of the daycare and neighbourhood concerns, he added.

Coun. Asmundson offered his gratitude to both churches.

“I thank them for stepping up once again,” he said.

It’s unfortunate the program is needed, Coun. Dennis Marsden said. “But I think it’s being done well.”

Coquitlam council voted unanimously to approve the temporary use permit.

Trinity United Church on Prairie Avenue in Port Coquitlam is also set to host the program in December and January.