That question was raised at the end of last night’s City Council meeting in Quesnel by Melanie MacDonald, the Executive Director of Season’s House.
She wanted to know, now that the shelter has been split from the proposed supportive housing facility on Elliott Street, how long they were going to have to remain in their current facility…
“As a Society and as somebody who is representing people who are sleeping in chairs night after night, year after year, what is the intent or i guess commitment to sit down with our Society and make sure that another five years doesn’t go by before we can relocate.”
Mayor Bob Simpson noted that the question was out of order…
“Melanie, i have to be very strict with gallery questions because it isn’t an opportunity for us to hold a public hearing. It is not an opportunity for you to give a speech or enter into a debate with us, you have to ask a question that is pertinent to what we have in front of us on this agenda, those are just the rules, the way it has to be.”
Simpson did however, answer her question…
“You’ll have to again go to BC Housing and get clarity with BC Housing and we are always open to have meetings booked with us and you know who my assistant is, you know where Tanya’s office is, you know where the City Manager’s office is, book a meeting, let’s have that discussion.”
MacDonald says they have capacity issues at the current location of Seasons House, downtown on Carson Avenue.
She says their building is ready to be condemned and it is in a terrible location for them, their guests and the community.