Project overview
BC Housing, the City of Powell River and Lift Community Services worked together to open a temporary shelter at 7104 Barnet Street in Powell River. Driftwood Shelter opened in April 2026. It provides 40 safe, secure spaces for people experiencing homelessness in Powell River.
The qathet Overdose Prevention Site is co-located on the Driftwood Shelter property. It is funded by Vancouver Coastal Health as part of the Province’s Toxic Drug Crisis Response.
Driftwood Shelter will remain open until more permanent shelter spaces and supportive homes are available in Powell River. The proposed new building on Joyce Avenue would provide about 20 permanent shelter spaces and 43 supportive homes.
Driftwood Shelter is open 24/7, year-round.
Shelters offer free, immediate places to stay for adults (19+) who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. A guest may stay in a shelter space for one night to a few months or longer. Shelter staff work with each guest to help them move toward stable, permanent housing.
Lift has experienced staff on site 24/7 to manage the shelter and provide services to shelter guests.
Support services typically include:
- Meals
- Storage
- Laundry
- Washroom and shower facilities
- Connections to community-based services and permanent housing
The qathet Overdose Prevention Site is co-located on the 7104 Barnet Street property. It will remain for the duration of the temporary shelter.
The qathet Overdose Prevention Site provides urgent, life-saving overdose prevention and response services. It is funded by Vancouver Coastal Health as part of the Province’s Toxic Drug Crisis Response and operated by Lift. The site includes a standalone trailer and outdoor inhalation support. These are available to shelter guests and community members 7 days a week. Services include a Recovery Navigator. They help participants connect with stabilization and recovery services that align with their health and wellness goals.
We commit to being good neighbours and addressing any concerns quickly and collaboratively.
- July 30, 2025 – Project announced
- Letter mailed to neighbours and local businesses within 300m
- September 16, 2025 – Small-group information meetings
- March 6, 2026 – Project update
- Letter mailed to neighbours and local businesses within 300m
- April 1, 2026 – Opening tours for neighbours and community members
BC Housing and Vancouver Coastal Health have made formal commitments to the City of Powell River to support safe and effective operations. The Letter of Commitment is available for download.
As part of these commitments, BC Housing has launched a Neighbourhood Inclusion Table. This table brings together local agencies, including Lift, Vancouver Coastal Health, the City of Powell River and the RCMP. This group will meet regularly for a limited period to support initial operations, address community concerns, and promote the inclusion of the Driftwood Sheter in the community.
July 2025
Project announced
Fall 2025
Construction
April 2026
Completion and opening
Questions?
Please email [email protected] with questions about this project.
You can also ask to be added to our contact list for updates.