Housing project proponents seek help from Courtenay

The Dawn to Dawn Action on Homelessness Society, in partnership with the K’ómoks First Nation and the Comox Valley Pride Society, is working on a new initiative for 2SLGBTQ+ youth affected or at risk of homelessness. The project is called Gukwas sa Wagalus Rainbow House and aims to fill a gap in the social justice system in relation to 2SLGBTQ+ youth aged 16-28.

Dawn to Dawn staff member Grant Shilling came up with the idea for the project, which has a name in two languages ​​to reflect the desire to create safe homes for Indigenous and non-Indigenous queer youth.

“Grant is our champion,” said project manager Lee Everson, who was joined by Dawn to Dawn President Ray Windsor in a Jan. 25 presentation to Courtenay’s council.

They demanded funding and exemption from local taxes if Dawn to Dawn bought a house in Courtenay, and leniency in permits and fees. You need about $1.5 million to purchase a suitable building. To date, the Society has committed approximately US$250,000 to the project.

Dawn to Dawn proposes a five bedroom home with a peer support living room.

READ: Groundbreaking for safe housing project for 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Comox Valley

On April 14th and 15th, Dawn to Dawn is hosting a drag show at the Sid Williams Theater. The society hopes that the city can donate their proceeds from ticket sales. Dawn to Dawn is asking for equal donations from Comox, Cumberland and the Regional Unit.

Ace requests change in hours

The City will seek public input on Ace Brewing’s application to change liquor hours and open the patio at its Mansfield Dr. 150 to make permanent. The brewery is currently open Sunday – Thursday 11am – 10pm 11am – 11pm Friday and Saturday. It hopes to switch to 9am to 1am, seven days a week.

FCM approval

The council supported Will Cole-Hamilton’s desire to stand for election to the board of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities from January to May 31. The FCM Board is comprised of elected officers from across the country to provide a broad base of support and a unified voice to carry the municipal message to the federal government. Last year, Cole-Hamilton was selected to sit on the FCM’s BC Caucus.

“I really appreciate having our voice on the table at the federal level — absolutely critical,” Mayor Bob Wells said.

motion alerts

Cole-Hamilton submitted two filing notices to be discussed at a later date. The first is for an employee report to outline the steps and costs required to become a Living Wage Employer. The living wage refers to the hourly amount it takes two working parents to meet basic expenses. Cole-Hamilton found that the city employs seasonal workers and retains contract workers at an hourly rate that is below the living wage of $20.26/hour.

The second communication relates to a report evaluating the use of outdoor courts by tennis and pickleball players. The report aims to outline ways to make the best use of the courts.

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Councilor CourtenayHousing