Dear editor,

Thank you, Debra Oakman, for clearing up some of the factual errors in the letter from Mr. Clancy last week about the homeless shelter.

As well, the explanation regarding the local government's necessity of showing commitment to the project before funding would be approved from B.C. Housing.

This still leaves many unanswered questions, such as:

What type of consultation was held with those in the nearby community, i.e. residents and business owners?

What prior research was done in other similar-sized communities that have an established shelter? What were the effects of the location for the surrounding area?

What are the services that the potential clients of the shelter need?

Was there an investigation into the seasonal occupancy rates for the Salvation Army Shelter on Fitzgerald Avenue? If so, what were the results?

Barbara Dobree,

Area B

Editor's note: Barbara Dobree says she is a former Courtenay business owner.