Today, a City Council committee discussed requirements for new shelter facilities and the way in which they are approved to operate.

Shelter facilities are unique in their role, mandate and impact. It follows that the path to approving these facilities should be equally unique, designed to balance the needs of those who need these services and members of the wider community.

Approvals for “temporary” or “emergency” shelter facilities currently flow to the City’s planning department. The Chamber proposed that the process of reviewing and approving applications for shelter developments (specifically) should flow to elected representatives for a final decision.

We also proposed a series of changes to the way temporary shelters come on stream and operate. We’ve urged Council to:

1. Revise the current development permit for Emergency Residential Shelters to a period of no more than 9 months.

2. Clarify how input from area stakeholders would be solicited and considered as part of any renewal application.

3. Beyond “Good Neighbour Agreements” develop stronger standards and penalties to incentivize adequate property maintenance, management of tripping hazards and garbage, accountability for loitering, and exterior monitoring by the operator.

4. Require facilities to provide adequate spaces for cultural ceremony.

5. Require facilities to provide on-site outdoor spaces, in proportion to the number of people they shelter, to safeguard the dignity and well-being of residents.

The city is exploring what regulations are in place at the provincial level for facilities like this. The Chamber will continue to push for a balanced approach to shelter policies in our community, for the benefit of those who need shelters and the local employees, customers and residents who are their neighbours.

See our letter here.