Courtenay Council received a season review for the Temporary Winter Shelter at 971 Cumberland Road at last week’s council meeting.

The shelter operated from December to April and provided overnight and, later in the season, 24-hour support for people experiencing homelessness.

The season included 101 nights of operation, 1,983 recorded bed occupancies and 2,193 service contacts.

The review noted that the shelter helped connect guests with health, housing, treatment and recovery support.

It also highlighted the role of outreach staff, the peer clean-up program and the Community Integration Table in supporting shelter guests, nearby residents and businesses.

Staff reported that community complaints remained low overall and that the shift to 24-hour operations helped reduce daytime displacement, support steadier routines and improve on-site supervision.

The 24-hour service will be renewed for the upcoming winter season. Council also approved funding to renew the Community Integration Table, Peer Program and Shelter Outreach programs, and directed staff to request financial contributions from regional partners.

Read the full July 29, 2026 Council Meeting Highlights at City of Courtenay.