The small community of Smithers in B.C.’s northwest region will continue to deploy private security guards to patrol homeless encampments until the fall, when the mayor says he hopes another solution will be in place.
“I think the combination of temporary winter shelters, being closed (March 31), and safety and seasonal conditions – where some people will seek other accommodations during cold weather – all make a difference in the winter months,” said Gladys Atrill.
Since the BC Housing-funded emergency warming shelter at the former Fabrication building closed, the city estimates 14 to 20 people will soon be living at the encampment, where about four to seven people stay for the winter.
The city of 5,400 has no permanent homeless shelter, and the encampment on the edge of Veterans Peace Park across from city hall has been expanded since 2020.
Last year, Smithers council approved spending up to $234,000 per year for private security to monitor officially designated Temporary Overnight Shelter Areas (TOSAs) and conduct mobile patrols downtown.
Two Blue Hawk Security guards began a six-month trial on October 1, 2025, and to help maintain public safety, the city has extended their contracts for weekday overnight patrols and 24/7 weekend patrols through November 2026.
“This is money that we decided to spend in an effort to create the best circumstances we can for everyone,” Atrill told Global News. “We’re hoping by next fall there will be something in place and you know, I don’t know exactly what it will be, but ideally, it will provide a shelter, a service that the shelter provides.”
The homeless encampment in Smithers will remain until the fall, officials said, when they hope a more permanent solution will be available.
Smithers City
In February, the city of Smithers said it was selected as one of the BC Ministry of Housing and Cities and Housing’s HEART and HEART communities.
Funded by the province under the Belonging in BC Homeless Plan, the Homeless Encampment Action Response Team or (HEART) is enhancing coordinated outreach services, while the Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing or (HEARTH), is helping to create new shelters and transitional housing spaces.
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Smithers, according to BC Housing, is one of 15 local governments partnering with the province to host HATI and/or HEARTH.
“The HEART and HEARTH programs focus on outreach and housing support, helping people with addiction and mental health challenges connect with services, while providing physical shelter and a pathway to stable housing,” Smithers community services director Samantha LeBlanc said in an email.
BC Housing and Smithers will explore opportunities for the HEARTH site.
“We are currently in discussions… regarding permanent housing space, location and support to ensure it is well integrated into the community,” BC Housing Minister Christine Boyle said on Thursday.
The city says it will work with BC Housing to explore housing opportunity options and increase outreach support for those who need it most.
“Council also requested clear public engagement as part of the process with BC Housing, so we can find solutions that our community supports,” Smithers director of community services Samantha LeBlanc said in an email.
“The HEART and HEARTH programs in Smithers as well as the permanent supportive housing project working with the mayor and council there will continue to make a difference, in getting people indoors,” Boyle told Global News in an interview.
“I know there is no solution that everyone will like, but I really appreciate the efforts of the ministry and the minister,” Atrill said. “We will walk this path together and see what is the best we can do for this period of time before permanent housing and shelters open.”
The homeless encampment in Smithers will remain until the fall, officials said, when they hope a more permanent solution will be available.
Smithers City
The Alfred Avenue project was announced in January 2024, and will provide 40 supportive housing units as well as 20 permanent beds.
According to BC Housing, construction is expected to begin this summer with an estimated opening date of spring 2028.
Bulkley Valley Harm Reduction Society, which operates a temporary winter shelter at 3892 3rd Avenue, referred interview requests to BC Housing.
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