If local property owners think they have the right site for a homeless shelter, they have until Jan. 6 to let the City of Courtenay know about it.The city has taken the step of calling for Expressions of Interest for the acquisition of property after council voted earlier this month to look into alternate sites for a homeless shelter."City council is seeking submissions for the acquisition of land suitable for locating a facility to provide assistance and accommodation for the homeless population in the community," states the Expression of Interest, which will run in newspapers until December. "The 2008 Mayor's Task Force on Breaking the Cycle of Mental Illness, Addictions and Homelessness in the Comox Valley identified 'permanent supportive housing' as a primary strategy toward reducing homelessness in the community."City council is interested in receiving Expressions of Interest from property owners wishing to sell or donate suitable property "to meet this very complex need."Interested parties may request more information by e-mailing info@courtenay.ca or by calling 250-334-4441.All submissions — which must include the civic address, legal description of the property, current zoning and proposed selling price — must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 6. All submissions will be received in confidence.The Comox Valley Regional District has purchased property at Cliffe Avenue and 10th Street, but the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce opposed the site, and Courtenay council received a petition opposing the site.Earlier this month, council narrowly approved a motion to direct city staff to issue a request for proposal for an alternate site for a homeless shelter in the Comox Valley.Coun. Murray Presley, who initiated reopening the search for property, wanted to ensure the request for Expressions of Interest included the word "donate."Coun. Larry Jangula noted that there is interest in the community, as he received a call from a gentleman who has property on Cumberland Road who indicated he'd like to talk to the City about the land.writer@comoxvalleyrecord.com