British Columbia is adding 20 temporary overnight shelter spaces at a historically significant location in Coquitlam to address winter homelessness. The beds will be situated at the former Riverview Hospital site and are scheduled to begin operations next month.
Shelter Operations and Shuttle Service
BC Housing Minister Christine Boyle announced the initiative on Wednesday. The shelter will operate nightly from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., providing a warm, safe place for individuals to sleep during the coldest hours. Guests will be expected to depart the site each morning.
A key component of the program is an accessible shuttle service designed to connect people to the shelter. Minister Boyle confirmed that the shuttle will pick up homeless individuals from three designated stops within the Tri-Cities area, which includes Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody. This transportation aims to reduce barriers for those camping in the region.
Three-Month Winter Response and Management
This is a time-limited intervention. The shelter is planned to run for three months as an emergency winter response, specifically targeting the unsheltered population in the Tri-Cities.
Day-to-day management of the shelter beds has been entrusted to the Progressive Housing Society. This Burnaby-based charity, registered in 1993, brings extensive experience in outreach, mental health support, and housing services. The organization reported revenues of nearly $18 million in the 2024-25 fiscal year, primarily sourced from government funding.
A Collaborative Provincial Effort
The establishment of this temporary shelter is the result of a multi-party collaboration. A statement from BC Housing credited the joint advocacy and partnership between the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation, the City of Coquitlam, and the Province.
Local MLAs Jennifer Blatherwick, Jodie Wickens, and Rick Glumac were also acknowledged for their roles in facilitating the project through BC Housing. This cooperative model highlights a community-focused approach to addressing immediate housing needs during the winter season.
