In early 2025, the City of Burnaby quietly changed its zoning rules to allow emergency shelters in more areas without needing rezoning or public hearings. Soon after, a plan was revealed to build an 80-bed homeless shelter at 3020 Gilmore Diversion—right in the middle of a quiet residential neighborhood. This area is home to many young families, seniors, and longtime residents, all of whom were never notified or given a chance to give input. People are understandably worried about the lack of planning, support services, and the safety of placing a large shelter in such a sensitive community area.

If this shelter goes ahead as planned, it could put children and seniors at risk, especially if individuals struggling with untreated addictions or severe mental health issues are placed there without proper care. Residents are not against helping people experiencing homelessness—but this kind of facility must be planned carefully and transparently, with input from those who live nearby. If this is allowed to happen without community consultation, it sends a dangerous message: that decisions about our neighborhoods can be made behind closed doors, with zero accountability.

The shelter is expected to open in Spring 2026, and early work is already moving forward. That’s why we’re asking Premier David Eby, Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon, and MLA Anne Kang to pause this project immediately, engage the community through a fair and open process, and find a safer, more suitable location—one with access to services, and away from vulnerable residential zones.