BC Housing is converting an old building at 3020 Gilmore Diversion into a Low-barrier, permanent shelter that allows drug use. While they claim not to "supply" drugs, they will not turn away active users and will provide "harm reduction" services on-site. Many community members have expressed concern that the site could effectively function as a government-funded drug-use facility. Similar concerns have been raised by Coquitlam councillor Darrell Penner, who previously warned that comparable shelters could become what he described as a “government-funded drug crackhouse.”.
Inappropriate Location: This site is in a residential core, just meters away from family homes and seniors' housing, and close to schools and public facilities.
Proven Safety Risk: Similar "Drug-Permitted" shelters across Metro Vancouver have led to:
Rising crime rates. Open drug use spilling into public spaces
Severe decline in neighborhood safety and quality of life
The most vulnerable—children, women, and seniors—are always the hardest hit.
Tragedies are Real: We remember Constable Shaelyn Yang, who lost her life in a similar environment. These risks are not theoretical; they are real and dangerous.
If we stay silent today...
When tents line our streets, when drug use spreads to our parks, and when our neighborhood becomes the next East Hastings—how will we explain to our children that we did nothing?
Our Position Is Clear:
We oppose drug-use shelters in residential neighborhoods. This is not about lack of compassion; it is about protecting our safety, our children’s future, and the dignity of our lives.
Immediately halt the 3020 Gilmore Permanent "Drug-Permitted" shelter project.
Conduct transparent, resident-centered community consultation.
Prioritize recovery and treatment instead of just "harm reduction." We need solutions that help people beat addiction without endangering the community.
Stop Homeless Shelter in Burnaby Approved Behind Closed Doors - Protect Kids & Seniors
Community Concerns: What Neighbors are Saying on Reddit:
https://www.reddit.com/r/burnaby/comments/1pn1ujo/bc_housing_avoided_a_public_hearing_at_3020/
https://www.reddit.com/r/burnaby/comments/1poq9q3/3020_gilmore_diversion_shelter_community_concerns/
https://www.reddit.com/r/burnaby/comments/1ka6jzj/gilmore_diversion_shelter_opening_in_spring_2026/
https://www.reddit.com/r/burnaby/comments/1khebb6/3020_gilmore_diversion_shelter_community_session/
News:
Burnaby residents call for pause in proposed shelter project
Lessons from Other Shelters/Low-Barrier Supportive Housing:
3030 Gordon is a 'government-funded crackhouse,' councillor says
A homeless shelter is out of control. Coquitlam wants action
City and province point fingers as encampment outside Coquitlam homeless shelter cleaned up
Residents of Coquitlam homeless encampment issued formal eviction notice
Letter: Calling cops about 3030 Gordon Ave. is a waste of time
Police and firefighters were called to this Coquitlam shelter over 700 times last year
Social housing complex on Vancouver’s Granville Street to close by June 2026
Fire at Maple Ridge homeless camp under investigation
Housing minister decries ‘frustrating’ pace of housing in Maple Ridge, points to ‘roadblocks’
Low-Barrier Supportive Housing: The Real Story
BC Housing directed to investigate accused killer’s presence at SRO
Neighbors have already started to speak out, but we need a massive voice to be heard by BC Housing and the City.
👉 Sign this petition today.
Click Here to Download Petition Form:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1pmkEFnD7FC7QScbWfVapZz-zvixkFYKG
Once signed, please email us to arrange a pickup: GilmoreShelterWatch@gmail.com
👉 Share this with your neighbors, friends, and family.
For our community. For our children’s future.