Neighbouring businesses objected to daytime shelter

The proposal was before the municipal planning commission in July, where neighbours generally opposed the plan stating the potential for loitering, litter, or disruption would hamper the redevelopment of the business strip.

MPC members tabled the request for a temporary two-year development — the length specifically set by the planning department, which is eying a broader overview of how to best locate intensive service delivery agencies.

Last spring the Mustard Seed took over providing overnight shelter services from the Salvation Army and leased the Salvation Army’s Centre of Hope location in the South Flats.

That building however, is now listed for sale as planned, and may not be available this winter. That led the Mustard Seed to apply in June to renovate the former Champions Centre to house 25 overnight patrons, submitting staffing levels and a mitigation plan for potential impact on neighbouring businesses.

That was similar to a deal in 2021, when the site became an emergency daytime shelter operated by McMan Family and Community Services. At that point the planning department was tasked with studying the issue to determine if storefronts were suitable locations for social services.

Adjacent business and property owners had objected, claiming a homeless shelter on the block would detract from rejuvenation efforts.

This summer MPC members tabled the issue, asking the Mustard Seed to enter into discussions with business owners in the community.

The Mustard Seed withdrew the application.