A recent report released by the City of Courtenay highlights the urgent need for additional shelter space to accommodate homeless individuals in the Comox Valley during the winter season. The report indicates that the upcoming Braidwood Centre, set to open in Courtenay next autumn, will not be sufficient to address the increasing demand for supportive housing and emergency shelter beds in the region.
According to the report, approximately 70 people are projected to be without shelter each winter. While the Braidwood Centre is expected to offer 73 emergency shelter beds, with an additional 30 beds available during extreme weather conditions, the closure of two existing shelters, the Connect Centre in downtown Courtenay and a temporary winter shelter on Cumberland Road, will further exacerbate the shortage.
Although the Braidwood Centre plans to introduce 70 supportive housing units by winter 2027, city officials emphasize that these units, along with the shelter beds, will not adequately meet the community’s needs. The 2025 Point in Time homeless count estimated that at least 218 individuals were experiencing homelessness in the Comox Valley, with 137 lacking access to any form of shelter.
The staff report recommends the implementation of short-term measures to assist those in need until the Braidwood Centre becomes operational, as well as the development of a long-term strategy for sustained support. Key considerations outlined in the report include the provision of housing tailored to diverse demographics such as youth, seniors, and women. The report also underscores the necessity for coordinated efforts among local authorities to address funding, land-use approvals, and community engagement challenges.
Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells emphasized the importance of involving all three municipalities—Courtenay, Comox, and Cumberland—in devising a comprehensive strategy to address homelessness in the region. He acknowledged the complexity of the situation and the need for shared responsibility among local leaders to navigate potential concerns related to the distribution of social housing and services.
The report is slated for council review on Wednesday, followed by presentation to the Comox Valley Regional District board. Additionally, a motion will be considered to repurpose the Connect Centre once the Braidwood Centre is operational. Coun. Doug Hillian clarified that the Connect Centre was always intended as a temporary solution and that its future use will be determined by the elected council members.
Hillian noted that the Connect Centre has faced criticism since its inception, particularly due to its central location, while alternative sites like the temporary winter shelter on Cumberland Road have encountered fewer complaints.