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 would replace the temporary winter shelter at 1660 Columbia Avenue.

Development

BC Housing purchased the property at 2245 6th Avenue in March 2024 with plans to open a shelter in the building. BC Housing applied for a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) from the City of Castlegar in January 2025. If the TUP is approved, the building would need renovations before opening. We would work with the City to secure the necessary approvals. If approved, we currently expect the shelter to open later in 2025.

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 selected Castlegar & District Community Services Society (CDCSS) through a fair and open process to operate the shelter and provide services to guests. CDCSS is an experienced non-profit operator that has been working with the most vulnerable in the community for over 40 years. Learn more about CDCSS by visiting cdcss.ca.

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. BC Housing and CDCSS are committed to being a good neighbour and keeping lines of communication open as this project moves forward.

On June 14, 2024, we shared a letter to site neighbours and nearby businesses introducing the project and sharing information about the development.

On January 14, 2025, we shared an update letter to site neighbours and nearby businesses. This letter included an invitation to information sessions where participants had the opportunity to learn about the proposed housing, meet the project team and ask questions.

On January 22, 2025, we hosted 3 information sessions for neighbours. BC Housing staff shared a short presentation and answered questions. We thank all participants for their time and thoughtful discussion.

View the session presentation and download the Engagement Summary Report.

BC Housing and CDCSS commit to being good neighbours and keeping lines of communication open as this project moves forward. When the building opens, we would share direct contact information with neighbours and address any concerns quickly and collaboratively.

For questions about the 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 would replace the temporary winter shelter at 1660 Columbia Avenue.

Development

BC Housing purchased the property at 2245 6th Avenue in March 2024 with plans to open a shelter in the building. BC Housing applied for a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) from the City of Castlegar in January 2025. If the TUP is approved, the building would need renovations before opening. We would work with the City to secure the necessary approvals. If approved, we currently expect the shelter to open later in 2025.

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 selected Castlegar & District Community Services Society (CDCSS) through a fair and open process to operate the shelter and provide services to guests. CDCSS is an experienced non-profit operator that has been working with the most vulnerable in the community for over 40 years. Learn more about CDCSS by visiting cdcss.ca.

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. BC Housing and CDCSS are committed to being a good neighbour and keeping lines of communication open as this project moves forward.

On June 14, 2024, we shared a letter to site neighbours and nearby businesses introducing the project and sharing information about the development.

On January 14, 2025, we shared an update letter to site neighbours and nearby businesses. This letter included an invitation to information sessions where participants had the opportunity to learn about the proposed housing, meet the project team and ask questions.

On January 22, 2025, we hosted 3 information sessions for neighbours. BC Housing staff shared a short presentation and answered questions. We thank all participants for their time and thoughtful discussion.

View the session presentation and download the Engagement Summary Report.

BC Housing and CDCSS commit to being good neighbours and keeping lines of communication open as this project moves forward. When the building opens, we would share direct contact information with neighbours and address any concerns quickly and collaboratively.

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

Page last updated: 31 Jan 2025, 12:09 PM