Answers

1. 1. Question: What are the improvements occurring in the parking lot next to the Connect Centre?

   The City is installing additional operating space, washrooms, and fencing in the parking lot next to the Connect Centre at 685 Cliffe Avenue. The operating space and washrooms will be temporary buildings with an office space and washroom for the Connect Centre’s staff and three washrooms for the Comox Valley Transition Society (CVTS) clients.

   These buildings and the fenced in area will take up half of the existing parking.
   
   

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2. Why are these improvements necessary?

   Creating dedicated space and more separation will help improve the needs of both the Connect Centre and the adjacent businesses.

   The dedicated staff washroom and office space is necessary to address operational and staff requirements at Connect, while the washrooms for CVTS clients serve a core sanitary service need. The fencing will provide greater privacy and screening for both Connect Centre clients, and area businesses and their patrons.
   
   

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3. What will the fencing look like?

   There will be two types of fencing.

   The first is an 8-foot-high corrugated metal hybrid panel fence with cedar posts that will be erected along Cliffe Avenue from the Connect building and returning into the parking lot.

   The second is an 8-foot-high black chain fencing with privacy slats that will include gates for garbage pickup and swing that will wrap around the remainder of the site, including the perimeter with the lane.

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4. How much will these improvements cost and how will they be funded?

   The capital costs for the improvements including infrastructure installation, fencing, consulting fees and trailer installation is approximately $150,000 and is being through the City's 2023 budget surplus.
       
   Island Health has provided $250,000 in grant funding to the Comox Valley Transition Society (CVTS) operating budget that will allow CVTS to deliver expanded services to Connect Centre clients.

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5. How much of the parking lot will remain for use by area businesses and their patrons?

   Two rows of angled parking, (approximately 18 stalls) will be retained. This includes the most northern row of parking on 665 Cliffe Avenue and the row of parking on 645 Cliffe Avenue, adjacent to the neighbouring businesses.

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6. How long will the fencing and buildings remain in this location?

   The improvements are meant to remain in place until the completion of the permanent, purpose-built shelter at 925 Braidwood Road. Once the purpose-built shelter at 925 Braidwood Road is complete, the existing Connect Centre will shut and the fencing and trailers will be removed. The anticipated timeline for this is approximately two years.

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7. What will happen to this location after the closure of the Connect Centre and the removal of the fencing?

   As part of the Downtown Local Area Plan currently being developed, the three lots owned by the City (685, 665, and 645 Cliffe Avenue) will be identified for re-development. The potential uses for this site will emerge through the planning process, based on the future needs of the community.

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8. How will clients of the Connect centre be limited to the newly fenced off area?

   With a dedicated space, including washrooms and additional storage, Connect Centre clients will be incentivised to stay within the fully fenced and serviced area. A zero-tolerance policy will be enforced by the CVTS for those who don’t obey by the Society’s rules. Courtenay Bylaw, in partnership with the CVTS, will continue their regular duties of enforcing the City’s sheltering regulations.

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9. What is the difference between this site and 971 Cumberland Road?

   The Connect Centre represents temporary, yet year-round shelter beds and supports operated by the Comox Valley Transition Society. 

   971 Cumberland Road is a winter shelter that will only operate until April 15, 2025, within limited hours (i.e. overnight) and when pre-determined community specific weather thresholds are met.

   Learn more about the Winter Shelter project.

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10. What is the difference between this site and 925 Braidwood Road?

    925 Braidwood Road will eventually replace the Connect Centre (685 Cliffe Avenue). Once open, it will significantly improve the emergency shelter space available to those experiencing homelessness in the Comox Valley.

    The Connect Centre, with a 33-shelter bed capacity, was always meant to be temporary until a permanent shelter site could be located and funded.

    925 Braidwood Road is the permanent shelter and will be designed and constructed to better serve its users and operations staff, including office and programming space for complementary community services and supports.

    Learn more about 925 Braidwood Road from BC Housing.

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