Wednesday May 12th, 2010 - Bureaucracy Thwarts Novel Homeless Shelter

Despite the best intentions of its providers, a unique housing device for the homeless has been stymied by local government officials. With the help of Gerry Sly and Rob Reid, a shipping container was retrofitted into a shelter that accommodated a number of homeless people. For a few weeks in February, the people were able to sleep on fireproof mattresses in warm rooms, as well as use an indoor toilet. A volunteer stayed each night to supervise the shelter.

However, bylaw inspectors from Coquitlam closed the shelter on February 28, claiming that the property was not zoned for such use. Sly’s company, Boyd Autobody and Glass, occupies the property. Sly expressed deep regret that the shelter was shut down, saying that the homeless deserved better treatment than they have been receiving in the area.

The shelter was located in the works yard of Sly’s company, which is approximately a block away from Coquitlam Centre Mall. Sly said the location was useful because many homeless people live nearby in bushes along the Coquitlam River.

Reid, owner of Shadow Lines Transportation Group, was inspired to create the shelter last year. Richard Rotteveel, a sales representative for the company, said that given the company’s focus on containers, it was imperative that they work on solutions for homeless people. The shelter features a marine generator that provides heating and power. The shelter has a pump-out toilet as well as a fencing to protect the dwellers and the shopping carts they frequently use. Rotteveel noted that Shadow Lines would like to construct several more shelters, and donate them to non-profit organizations in Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton.

Sly remarked he is trying to re-open the shelter with the help of Coquitlam’s mayor, Richard Stewart. He said that Stewart is supportive, and hopes the homeless will not have to wait long to use the shelter again.

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