Media Contacts

Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs

Media Relations
hmamedia@gov.bc.ca
236-475-4435

BC Housing

Media Relations
Media@bchousing.org

Backgrounders

What people are saying about the new shelter

Chief Ron Giesbrecht, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation (KFN) –

“KFN supports the temporary winter shelter at səmiq̓ʷəʔelə this winter to help folks get the warmth, safety and dignity they deserve. The Nation supports work toward lasting, long-term housing solutions so that everyone that needs a safe place to call home can find one.”

Richard Stewart, mayor of Coquitlam –

“This is an important step in making sure people experiencing homelessness have a warm, safe place to go during winter. Through collaboration with the Province, BC Housing and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation, we were able to secure a temporary solution at səmiq̓ʷəʔelə, when winter shelter services across the Tri-Cities were at serious risk of collapse. While this shelter provides immediate relief for the coming season, we will continue to work with the Province for longer-term solutions in the Tri-Cities.”

Jaye Treit, executive director of Progressive Housing Society –

“Winter shelters like this one can be life-saving for unhoused members of our community. We are very pleased to once again have the opportunity to provide this much-needed support, made possible thanks to BC Housing, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation and the City of Coquitlam’s collaboration in funding and finding a new location for the shelter.”

Jennifer Blatherwick, MLA for Coquitlam-Maillardville –

“I am grateful to see a temporary-shelter solution come together to help people experiencing homelessness in the community during these wet and cold months. As we continue to work on long-term housing solutions, I’m looking forward to talking with our partners, local community members and businesses about ways we can continue to help vulnerable people and continue to build on our actions.”

Jodie Wickens, MLA for Coquitlam-Burke Mountain –

“The more we can bring people indoors who have been sheltering outside, then the better off they’ll be. While this is a temporary solution, it will go a long way to help people find warm places to stay with other supports while work continues on more permanent shelter and supportive housing options.”

Rick Glumac, MLA for Port Moody-Burquitlam –

“Our government has been working diligently to help get people the support they need so they can begin to stabilize their lives. These shelter spaces can offer people a safe place with a hot meal during a very difficult and vulnerable time in their lives. Having these spaces come together shows that our government, local governments and the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation are aligned in our support for people experiencing homelessness.”