The City of Penticton has received an application from the Province to relocate the shelter at 352 Winnipeg St. (Victory church) to a different, permanent location. The proposed location of the new facility, at 1706 Main Street, is consistent with the City’s shelter guidelines. Staff have begun reviewing the application so that construction can begin as soon as possible.
On July 7, 2021, the City of Penticton filed a petition with the BC Supreme Court challenging the Province’s decision to invoke “paramountcy” over the City’s zoning bylaw in a unilateral move to operate the shelter. The City had approved spending up to $300,000 on this legal challenge, for which approximately $70,000 was spent. With the Province’s announcement today, the City is pleased to report that it has directed legal counsel to engage in discussions with the City’s Provincial counterparts to withdraw the pursuit of the petition.
“Today’s announcement by the Province to close the Victory Church shelter recognizes the voices of Penticton residents who, in great numbers, expressed their concerns surrounding the shelter,” said Penticton Mayor, John Vassilaki. ”Equally importantly, this is great news for Penticton’s most vulnerable who can now seek shelter and care in a facility that is built in an appropriate location. In the lead up to July’s decision, Council heard clear public feedback from polls, petitions and letters, that 352 Winnipeg Street is no place for a shelter, and we agree. We are pleased to see Minister David Eby and the Province closing this shelter and adhering to the City’s bylaws."