The town of Comox is contributing $80,000 support an Extreme Weather Response shelter in Courtenay.
Town Council approved the contribution from reserve funds during the March 5 meeting. It will help cover essential renovations at the 971 Cumberland Road site, which was recently acquired by the City of Courtenay. The building is being used temporarily for winter shelter services, when predetermined extreme weather thresholds are met. The estimated cost of these modifications is $250,000.
“The Town of Comox continues to play our part in finding solutions to this very real challenge that our community and communities across Canada are facing,” said Comox Mayor Nicole Minions. “This contribution, which comes from the Town’s Affordable Housing Reserve—funded through development contributions—will assist in making sure work can begin and the necessary modifications are completed without any need for Comox taxpayer funding.”
Extreme Weather Response shelters are part of BC Housing’s emergency temporary shelter program and, as such, provide operating funding to operators for costs associated with the program, such as staff, cleaning, and supplies. However, BC Housing funding for this location does not cover any leasing costs, tenant improvements, building modifications, or equipment purchases such as cots. Community partners such as the Wachiay Friendship Centre and the Coalition to End Homelessness have provided financial and in-kind support to ensure the program operates with the necessary supplies and resources to open.
The City of Courtenay was authorized by the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) in July 2024 to lead the development and implementation of a regional Winter Shelter Strategy with funding provided through function 451 — Homelessness Supports Service. The City of Courtenay, CVRD, and the Town of Comox will cover the funding gap to cover the cost of the building renovations and ensure that the shelter is ready to serve those in need.
“We’re thankful the Town of Comox has responded to the City of Courtenay’s request for additional funds to help cover the cost of building modifications for the temporary Extreme Weather Response shelter on Cumberland Road,” said Courtenay Mayor, Bob Wells. “This funding will allow renovations to be completed that will improve this much-needed service. The critical lack of shelter in the Comox Valley, especially in winter, is a community-wide challenge, and it needs an all-hands-on-deck response. It’s heartening to see local governments across the Comox Valley working together to address this urgent need.”
