After Williams Lake Council’s decision to support Elks Hall being a temporary emergency shelter, MLA Lorne Doerkson sees issues.
The big pain point for this topic came down to the problems it would cause for the downtown core, and businesses located in the area.
Doerkson isn’t happy with what businesses may have to deal with.
“My frustration is that this hasn’t been out in the open and being talked about for however long this has been a plan.” says Doerkson.
“On the topic of the destruction, all of the damage that so many of these folks have had to deal with themselves, it almost feels like just one more punitive tax, because it comes at a real cost.”
Doerkson added he’s heard of businesses that have needed to spend thousands of dollars to repair damages, with some unable to obtain insurance.
He believes nobody wants those less fortunate to not have a shelter, but the concern is location.
Longer term solutions were also brought up at Council, more specifically Jubilee Place.
Doerkson says the solution presented by the City needs to be considered by BC Housing, and they need to get behind the project.
Elks Hall is said to be a five year plan, which he notes that many years isn’t really temporary.