Emergency Shelter

Project Update: At its November 15, 2021 meeting, New Westminster City Council approved the Temporary Use Permit for 502 Columbia Street. Click here to view the Council meeting recording and access the public input and other materials.

What's being proposed?

The City of New Westminster has received an application from the Lower Mainland Purpose Society for a Temporary Use Permit to operate an emergency shelter located at 502 Columbia Street (the former Army and Navy department store).

The society proposes to operate the emergency shelter as:

1. An Extreme Weather Response Program shelter, which would operate from November 1 to March 31 and be activated during extreme weather events, and/or
2. An Emergency Response Centre shelter, which would operate 24/7 for up to 18 months or until new supportive housing is in place.

The proposed shelter would provide up to 50 mats or beds, serve adults, and could offer support services. The shelter would be accessed from the building’s Front Street entrance only, not from the Columbia Street entrance.

The current zoning of this land does not permit an emergency shelter. As such, a Temporary Use Permit is required to allow the emergency shelter to operate for three years, with an option to renew for an additional three years subject to Council consideration.

How can I provide feedback?

Council will consider issuing the permit on Monday, November 15, 2021, at its Regular Council meeting. If you would like to submit your comments to Council for their consideration, you can do so by emailing clerks@newwestcity.ca. The agenda for the Regular Council meeting will be available no later than Friday, November 12, 2021 on the Council Meetings Schedule page.