The City of Cranbrook is urging the B.C. government for financial support to help with the rising costs of homelessness in the community.
City staff said that up to Dec. 31, 2023, the municipality had spent nearly $350,000 in related expenses. This includes staff time, security and clean up of hazardous sites.
“Cranbrook is the regional hub of the Kootenays. Vulnerable residents in the region from smaller communities that need supports not found in those communities are moving to Cranbrook to be able to access those services,” said Mayor Wayne Price.
“These newcomers, along with our own residents who are becoming unhoused and needing services continue to grow in numbers. We are hopeful that we can start to have these discussions with the Province soon.”
The city has sent a letter to the province to set up a meeting with Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon and Social Development and Poverty Reduction Minister Sheila Malcolmson to discuss the rising costs and ways to improve programs.
“These services, which are out of the traditional scope of any municipality in BC, have come with a financial cost to our municipal property taxpayers,” added Price.
“We are asking the Province, and Ministers Malcolmson and Kahlon to meet with us to find ways to better support these individuals, while also discussing the City’s costs.”
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