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Backpacker Slated for Demolition, Alternate Site Being Reviewed

By 250 News

BC Housing says the Backpacker, its first choice for a homeless shelter, will be torn down

The Backpacker Motel on Queensway will be demolished and there is a one in three chance the homeless shelter planned for that site, could be located elsewhere.

The Backpacker site was purchased by B.C. Housing earlier this year as the home for 30 units of affordable housing with support services for the homeless.

B.C. Housing Northern Manager Anne Howard says because of the safety concerns, the existing structure will be torn down. There is a possibility the facility may actually be developed at some other site.

In late June, B.C. Housing called for proposals from non-profit societies to provide the housing units and services. Three proposals are being examined, one calls for development of a housing unit at a different location. That particular proposal would call for the purchase of a different piece of property which may need to go through the rezoning process.

Of the three proposals being reviewed, one was submitted by The Native Friendship Centre, one is from the Canadian Mental Health Association and the third is from a partnership of non-profit societies.

Howard says the process should be “further along” later this year.

It would appear any rezoning application and subsequent public hearing would likely take place in the New Year before a new City Council

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