Penticton’s Temporary Winter Shelter provided care to 91 individuals and resulted in 12 becoming permanently housed. This model of shelter also decreased calls for service to police, fire and bylaw services over a five-month period, according to the latest data ending March 31, 2025.
“The positive results outlined in this report reflect the strength of our public safety partnerships in action,” says Julie Czeck, general manager of Public Safety & Partnerships. “Our teams will continue to work together to support our vulnerable populations and promote a safer community for all.”
City Council will receive a report involving the seasonal shelter during the next Council meeting on Tuesday, April 22. The information, compiled in partnership with 100 More Homes, RCMP, Penticton Fire Department, City Bylaw Services, the Penticton Industrial Development Association, and Penticton Chamber of Commerce shows an overall decline in calls for public safety agencies since the shelter opened on Nov. 16, 2024.
- Bylaw: Calls decreased by 61% within the broader industrial area, also partly attributed to proactive patrols.
- Fire: Calls decreased by 12% compared to the same period last year.
- RCMP: Calls decreased by 2% overall.
Of the 91 individuals who stayed at the shelter:
- 54 reported being from Penticton (born or raised here).
- 32 had foster care experience and three were between the ages of 19-27.
- 12 have transitioned to permanent housing.
- 5 individuals left the shelter to seek further treatment.
Also, dedicated staff from Interior Health provided 267 wound care services at the shelter, 30 mental health and substance use connections, and 60 primary care contacts, preventing emergency hospital visits that may have been necessary if sheltering on the street.
“This winter’s shelter model showed what’s possible when we come together – not just service providers and government, but also local businesses and neighbours,” says Tanya Behardien, co-chair of 100 More Homes. “By having Penticton and Area Overdose Prevention Society create a space where people could stay, stabilize and connect to supports, we saw individuals move into housing, access health care and begin to rebuild. The positive impact rippled beyond the shelter walls – fewer encampments, fewer crisis calls and a stronger sense of shared responsibility across the community.”
BC Housing has provided bridging funding for the shelter to continue operating until the end of May while working on longer-term arrangements.
