Kamloops - 725 Notre Dame Drive
Merit Place is a 50-bed temporary shelter located at 725 Notre Dame Drive (the former Greyhound Bus Depot). At Merit Place, guests access safe, warm, semi-private places to sleep and a range of support services, including:
- On-site 24/7 staff support
- Healthy meals
- Laundry and shower facilities
- Storage for belongings
- Cultural supports
- Life skill development
- Case management and health care referrals
Due to the continuing need for shelter in the community, BC Housing has extended our lease for 725 Notre Dame Drive until March 31, 2026. This will allow Merit Place to continue providing critically needed shelter and supports for people experiencing homelessness in Kamloops for another year as we work to bring more permanent shelter options and affordable housing to the community.
The need in Kamloops
There is an urgent need for shelter in Kamloops. A 2023 Point in Time Count Report identified at least 312 people experiencing homelessness in Kamloops. The actual number is likely higher, as the count does not include people who are in hospital, couch surfing or living in vehicles and may also need shelter. 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 and anyone struggling with the high cost of housing. Guests are adults (19+) of all genders.
The Operator: CMHA Kamloops
Canadian Mental Health Association Kamloops (CMHA) has operated Merit Place since it opened in 2022. CMHA Kamloops’ goal is to empower clients on their journey to reintegration, wellness and independence. CMHA Kamloops is an experienced, non-profit operator that has been working with the most vulnerable in the community for over 100 years. Learn more about CMHA Kamloops by visiting kamloops.cmha.bc.ca.
From CMHA Kamloops:
Our goal at Merit Place is to empower our clients on their journey to reintegration, wellness, and independence. Active participation in their wellness plan is strongly encouraged, and our multidisciplinary team collaborates closely with clients and their care teams to tailor individualized care plans based on specific needs and situations.
Community Engagement
On November 10, 2021, we delivered a letter to area neighbours to share our plans to repurpose the former Greyhound Bus Depot building into a 24/7 shelter at 725 Notre Dame Drive. This letter also invited interested neighbours to a virtual community information session to learn more about the shelter project and ask questions.
On December 15, 2021, we hosted a virtual community information session and gathered community feedback to help inform our creation of this shelter. View the session presentation and the Key Themes report. We thank all participants for their contributions to the discussion.
On April 12, 2023, we delivered a letter to area neighbours to notify them of a 2-year lease extension and to gather feedback. This extension allowed the shelter to operate until April 2025. Taking what we heard from community members, BC Housing added new fencing and security measures to the shelter to better promote the safety and well-being of shelter guests and the wider community.
On March 26, 2025, we delivered a letter to area neighbours to share that we’ve extended our lease of the property until March 31, 2026. This letter also included a Who to Call / When to Call info sheet with direct contact information for the shelter as well as other municipal and emergency services.
Questions?
BC Housing and CMHA Kamloops are committed to being good neighbours and keeping lines of communication open. We aim to address any concerns from neighbours quickly and collaboratively.
For questions about CMHA Kamloops, Merit Place and the services offered, please email meritplace.shelter@cmhakamloops.ca.
We also continue to welcome questions at any time by email at communityrelations@bchousing.org.
Have a question or comment? Please add below.
Guidelines for constructive and respectful dialogue
- Please ensure your question is clear, concise, relevant to the project, and respectful.
- Review our moderation policy. Questions that do not abide by the moderation policy or guidelines for respectful dialogue may not be answered.
- We expect everyone will refrain from using language or acting in a way that is discriminating, threatening, abusive, racist or otherwise disrespectful. Discrimination or abusive language of any kind will not be tolerated.
- Your question will appear once our team has answered it. If your question has already been answered, we may respond privately.
Thank you for your contribution!
Help us reach out to more people in the community
Share this with family and friends