The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors has approved $10,000 in funding for a new temporary outdoor living space being developed by the City of Cranbrook to support individuals experiencing homelessness.

“We recognize access to things like fresh water, cooking and shower facilities, washing stations, storage lockers and more are needed to support the vulnerable and unhoused. Our board has approved funding to help create a safe and stable location within the community that will provide these needed amenities,” said RDEK Board Chair and Electoral Area C Director Rob Gay.

“Establishing this temporary outdoor living space will also ensure proper access for emergency services, increased safety measures, the addition of basic safety equipment like fire extinguishers and sharps containers, and provide a central location for social programming and supports.”

In its request letter, the Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness, Community Safety & Wellbeing emphasized this outdoor living space is intended to be temporary as work continues on longer term solutions to help create housing opportunities and pathways out of poverty.

The RDEK has previously approved $85,000 to help fund the Social Development Coordinator position recognizing the regional impact poverty, homelessness, addiction and crime are having on communities.

“As a board, we are continuing to demonstrate our support for proactive local efforts to address gaps in services resulting from a lack of support Provincially in the hopes this will make a meaningful difference and lead to positive impacts not only for those who are vulnerable, but for all residents as all of our communities that are being impacted,” added Gay.

The temporary outdoor living space is being established in an undeveloped portion of land on the south end of the Moir Park property.

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