Town Of Comox Supporting Extreme Weather Response Shelter With $80,000 Contribution

Comox Town Council has approved an $80,000 contribution to support an Extreme Weather Response shelter in Courtenay.

The funding will help cover essential renovations at 971 Cumberland Road, where a newly acquired City of Courtenay building is temporarily being used for winter shelter services when extreme weather thresholds are met.

The estimated cost of these modifications is $250,000.

Comox Mayor Nicole Minions says the contribution, which comes from the Town’s Affordable Housing Reserve and is funded through development contributions, will assist in making sure work can begin and the necessary modifications are completed without any need for Comox taxpayer funding.

The City of Courtenay led the development and implementation of a regional Winter Shelter Strategy last year. Courtenay, the CVRD, and the Town of Comox will cover the funding gap to cover the cost of the building renovations and ensure that the shelter is ready to serve those in need.

Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells says the critical lack of shelter in the Comox Valley, especially in winter, is a community-wide challenge, and it needs an all-hands-on-deck response.

He says it’s heartening to see local governments across the Comox Valley working together to address the urgent need.

For details, visit Town of Comox.