Castlegar – 2245 6th Avenue

Ariel view of 6 avenue and the neighbouring streets


BC Housing is working to open a year-round shelter with up to 20 beds at  2245 6th Avenue in Castlegar. This shelter is a response to the urgent need to support people experiencing homelessness in the community. Once open, this will replace the temporary winter shelter at 1660 Columbia Avenue.

BC Housing purchased this site in March 2024. This building will require renovations. We will work with the City to secure the necessary approvals for the site’s new use as a year-round shelter. We currently expect this shelter to open in 2025. We will share more details about this project as they are available.

The shelter at 1660 Columbia Avenue will re-open in late Fall 2024 and continue to support guests through the 2024/2025 winter season.

About the shelter

Shelters are an important first step for people who are transitioning out of homelessness. People without access to basic shelter must focus solely on survival. After a person can access a warm bed, washrooms and meals, they are in a much better position to improve their housing situation and well-being.

People staying in shelters can include seniors, people with disabilities, people who have experienced trauma or poverty, people with health concerns including mental health or substance use challenges, and people who are struggling with the high cost of housing. Shelter guests can access case management, resources and services that address their individual needs and support them on their housing journey.

Shelter operations

BC Housing will select a shelter operator in late Summer 2024 through a public Request for Proposals.

This shelter will be open 24/7, year-round. Services will include:

  • 24/7 staff onsite
  • semi-private beds
  • meals
  • laundry
  • washroom and shower facilities

There will also be safety and security features for the benefit of shelter guests as well as the surrounding community. These include:

  • controlled access
  • site fencing
  • outdoor lighting
  • security cameras

Community engagement

A caring community can contribute greatly to the success of people transitioning out of homelessness. We commit to keeping lines of communication open throughout this project. We have reached out directly to neighbours and nearby businesses to provide more information about the project and answer questions.

We will introduce the shelter operator to the community when selected. We will also share a direct phone number for the shelter when it is available.

For questions about the renovations or shelter project, please contact BC Housing by emailing communityrelations@bchousing.org.


BC Housing is working to open a year-round shelter with up to 20 beds at  2245 6th Avenue in Castlegar. This shelter is a response to the urgent need to support people experiencing homelessness in the community. Once open, this will replace the temporary winter shelter at 1660 Columbia Avenue.

BC Housing purchased this site in March 2024. This building will require renovations. We will work with the City to secure the necessary approvals for the site’s new use as a year-round shelter. We currently expect this shelter to open in 2025. We will share more details about this project as they are available.

The shelter at 1660 Columbia Avenue will re-open in late Fall 2024 and continue to support guests through the 2024/2025 winter season.

About the shelter

Shelters are an important first step for people who are transitioning out of homelessness. People without access to basic shelter must focus solely on survival. After a person can access a warm bed, washrooms and meals, they are in a much better position to improve their housing situation and well-being.

People staying in shelters can include seniors, people with disabilities, people who have experienced trauma or poverty, people with health concerns including mental health or substance use challenges, and people who are struggling with the high cost of housing. Shelter guests can access case management, resources and services that address their individual needs and support them on their housing journey.

Shelter operations

BC Housing will select a shelter operator in late Summer 2024 through a public Request for Proposals.

This shelter will be open 24/7, year-round. Services will include:

  • 24/7 staff onsite
  • semi-private beds
  • meals
  • laundry
  • washroom and shower facilities

There will also be safety and security features for the benefit of shelter guests as well as the surrounding community. These include:

  • controlled access
  • site fencing
  • outdoor lighting
  • security cameras

Community engagement

A caring community can contribute greatly to the success of people transitioning out of homelessness. We commit to keeping lines of communication open throughout this project. We have reached out directly to neighbours and nearby businesses to provide more information about the project and answer questions.

We will introduce the shelter operator to the community when selected. We will also share a direct phone number for the shelter when it is available.

For questions about the renovations or shelter project, please contact BC Housing by emailing communityrelations@bchousing.org.

Page last updated: 16 Dec 2024, 01:04 PM