Construction of Boyle Street’s new facility now halfway done

Boyle Street Community Services’ new support centre is progressing, though it has faced some setbacks. The facility, originally set to open last fall, has been delayed due to permitting issues.

The King Thunderbird Centre, located along 107th Avenue and 99th Street, is now behind schedule.

Once completed, the centre will feature cultural rooms, support services, and wrap-around care for Edmonton’s unhoused and vulnerable populations. It is expected to support around 7,000 people annually.

“This project has been almost a decade in the making. We’ve been working to find a purpose-built facility for our community—somewhere that they will receive the services they need and also feel proud and welcome to be in,” said Aidan Inglis, Director of Okimaw Peyesew Kamik Programs and Partnerships.

Boyle Street Community Services was forced to close its old location in 2023 after a contract dispute with its landlords. Since then, the organization has spread its support services across the inner city.

Fitzgerald acknowledged that there was some initial pushback from local residents when the new location was announced.

“A lot of people see vulnerability, which makes some folks uncomfortable. Our building, however, is a space where people can work on their goals,” said Fitzgerald.

Despite the challenges, Fitzgerald believes the purpose-built centre will provide a ‘dignified’ space for the homeless, emphasizing that it is not a shelter but a support centre.

“When people come to this building, they’re either receiving light-touch services, where they can move in or out as needed, or they are part of our programming and cultural supports,” Fitzgerald explained.

The King Thunderbird Centre is now slated to open next fall, though it will be a year behind its original schedule.