Outdoor Overnight Sheltering in Designated Sites
Shelter Dashboard
Homelessness isn’t unique to Kelowna, it’s an evolving, dynamic crisis that every major city in Canada is facing.
Municipalities continue to try and manage the downstream consequences of poverty, lack of affordable and social housing, mental health and addiction issues. To learn more about the City’s ongoing work to address this complex social issue visit: Kelowna's Homelessness Strategy
Despite the significant increase in the number of complex care, supportive housing, and rapid safety net housing units in Kelowna, the number of people sheltering outdoors continues to exceed emergency shelter capacity.
When there is insufficient housing and shelter space for people experiencing homelessness, the law in British Columbia prevents the City from prohibiting temporary overnight sheltering from all its parks and public spaces. However, the City can decide which parks or spaces to allow overnight sheltering.
The City partners with social serving organizations to ensure people have access to the services and supports they need to transition out of homelessness and continues to advocate to senior levels of government to increase supports in our community.
For a list of services and supports available to those experiencing unsheltered homelessness visit: Kelowna Outdoor Sheltering Guide.
The current designated outdoor sheltering site is located at the intersection of Richter Street and the Rail Trail. The site is temporary and there is no intention for it to become a permanent fixture or entrenched encampment.
When sufficient shelter space is available for all those sheltering outdoors the outdoor sheltering site will no longer be necessary. Visit Kelowna's Homelessness Strategy to learn more about the City’s ongoing work to increase shelter space in Kelowna.
Running water is available seasonally, garbage is picked up, portable toilets are serviced, and the onsite sharps disposal box is emptied regularly. Support for those sheltering outdoors is coordinated and provided by local social support agencies. Residents wishing to provide goods or services for occupants of the designated overnight site are encouraged to coordinate efforts with these agencies to minimize food waste and maximize resources. Personal belongings storage is available at the Metro Community Drop-In program.
Current operating practice does not require a full daily decampment as it has in the past, however those using the site are expected to regularly move their belongings during designated weekdays so garbage, debris and unclaimed property can be managed. Seasonally, larger efforts are expended to prepare the site for changes in temperature and ensure appropriate fire and life safety measures are in place.
For the safety of all, the site is monitored by security personnel as well as closed-circuit television. The site is designed according to crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) principles, which include clear sightlines, ample lighting and multiple points for carefully managed access and egress. The site is located near emergency services, including police, ambulance, and fire.
Please visit the Extreme Heat and Extreme Cold pages to learn more about measures taken during extreme weather events to support those at the outdoor sheltering site.
