By David Wiwchar

Service remains open during discussions

Shelter debate continues

Oct 28, 2025 | 9:08 AM

The debate over the emergency weather shelter on Third Avenue continued at yesterday’s city council meeting.

While the argument was whether to issue the Salvation Army a final two-year temporary use permit, Councillor Todd Patola suggested there was no need for one as the building was already zoned correctly.

Staff will now take that question to the city’s lawyers and council hopes to make a final decision in a month.

Meantime, Mayor Sharie Minions said the shelter will continue to operate.

“I know there’s been a lot of concerns online from members of the community about whether or not the Bread of Life is able to operate the overnight shelter and the emergency cold-weather beds while we go through this process and the answer is yes,” she said. “The motion put forward by council was very specific that no action would be taken by council, and the Bread of Life would be permitted to continue operating until we sort through that process, so there should be no interruption to the current services offered.”

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Many social service agencies have voiced support for the shelter while some neighbours have spoken against it.