BC Housing has provided four residents of Millennium Park with long-term shelter

BC Housing said it is continuing to help residents at Millennium Park as the city proceeds with the decampment of the site.

“While the decision to decamp Millennium Park was unilaterally made by the City of Prince George, BC Housing and outreach workers are continuing to engage with people at Millennium Park, as they have been for months, to ensure they’re aware of available shelter spaces and make offers of housing when available,” said BC Housing in a statement provided to the Citizen.

BC Housing said a nurse was also on-site this week and completed 10 health assessments and provided health referrals as needed.

“BC Housing and our outreach partners are not forcing anyone to move, but we will continue to support those who seek shelter. As of Wednesday, BC Housing staff and outreach workers helped four individuals move out of the encampment into long-term shelter spaces at the Association Advocating for Women and Community (AWAC) on 144 George St. We will continue monitoring closely to ensure every open shelter space is made available for people. To this end, BC Housing has worked with AWAC to add 10 additional beds.”

BC Housing noted that since 2017, the province has opened 114 supportive homes in Prince George and all are occupied, other than occasional turnover of units as people move out and that 52 more supportive homes are currently underway in the city.

BC Housing purchased the Fraser Inn, Mark’s Place, and Lotus Hotel in 2023 to provide supportive housing and new homes.

“These buildings all require varying degrees of renovations and repair. BC Housing is working with contractors and city staff to quickly bring more units up to standard.”