On Tuesday, council unanimously granted a temporary development permit raising capacity at the Cannery Row site from 200 to 275 beds from Nov. 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.
The site must return to 200 beds when the permit expires.
Conditions include dedicated 24/7 security patrols of the courtyard and parking lot, daily exterior cleanups with logged inspections, and repairing any damage to city property.
Hope Mission will add staff (nine core on-site plus three per shift), a rapid response team with paramedics or EMTs, and maintain interior checks every 30 minutes and exterior checks hourly.
Director Ade Adeoye said the extra beds address strong community need and that capacity may be exceeded on extreme cold nights.
Councillors supported the increase while noting the need for more support for nearby businesses, permanent supportive housing, and better coordination among service providers. Mayor Cindy Jefferies praised Hope Mission’s proactive planning and ongoing talks with provincial ministers.
The existing permit allowing Hope Mission to operate the shelter until May 1, 2027, remains unchanged.
The city is also preparing a request for daytime warming supports and advancing Project Nexus, the planned permanent shelter.
