Delta city council has given the go-ahead to a pilot project that will see the Guru Nanak Food Bank set up shop in a trailer in the parking lot of the Kennedy Seniors' Centre in North Delta.
The food bank serves more than 20,000 recipients across multiple locations, including 4,700 Delta residents. It currently works out of a space at 11188 84 Ave. in North Delta, but it's being forced to vacate that space by February 2025 due to development.
As a result, the food bank approached the city about the possibility of using part of the parking lot at the Kennedy Seniors' Recreation Centre to for two portable containers for storage to continue its distribution in North Delta.
An updated report presented to Delta city council Monday (Dec. 2) noted it's since been determined that, rather than containers, an office trailer would be best suited to the group's needs. It points out the seniors' centre parking lot, at 11760 88 Ave., is readily accessible to public transit.
"The trailer would provide a site to assist clients by appointment, in a safe and secure manner, ensuring confidentiality and ease of access," notes a report from Mike Brotherston, the city's director of corporate services.
The Guru Nanak Food Bank will warehouse food supplies at a location in 性视界传媒, with deliveries to the North Delta site in a van that the food bank has acquired for that purpose.
The initial costs for establishing the site at the seniors' centre for the trailer are estimated at $60,000, the report notes, and the estimated market rate for use of the parking spots amounts to about $6,000 per year. The Guru Nanak Food Bank will be responsible for costs related to supplying the trailer.
Food distribution schedules will be coordinated with the seniors' centre to help manage demand for the parking lot, the report says.
A letter from the Kennedy Seniors Society board of directors says the board unanimously supports the move, noting it's excited to work in partnership with the "worthy" Guru Nanak Food Bank organization.
The pilot project has been approved for up to five years.
City manager Donny Van Dyk, in response to a question from Coun. Rod Binder, noted that the agreement will allow for changes to that term if for some reason it doesn't work out or if the Guru Nanak Food Bank secures a more permanent site in the meantime.
Councillors expressed unanimous support for the plan, noting the value the food bank brings to the community.
"This would be great news for the community who rely on their services," said Coun. Jessie Dosanjh.
Coun. Dylan Kruger noted the organization is still very committed to finding a permanent space in the community but lauded the opportunity for the "unique partnership" with the seniors' centre in the meantime.
