B.C. Second World War museum says it must move due to issues with nearby homeless shelter

A Museum’s Plight: The HMCS Alberni Museum and Memorial Faces Relocation Due to Neighboring Homeless Shelter

The HMCS Alberni Museum and Memorial in Courtenay, Vancouver Island, is grappling with an uncertain future as it contemplates relocation. This museum, dedicated to honoring the 59 men who lost their lives when the Corvette HMCS Alberni was sunk off the English Coast during World War II, has been a significant cultural and historical fixture in the community. Situated within a small mall on Cliffe Avenue, the museum shares its premises with the Connect Temporary Shelter and Service Hub, a neighboring homeless shelter. Initially leased from the city as a temporary solution for the homeless population five years ago, the shelter’s extended presence has brought unforeseen challenges for the museum.

Visitor Decline and Operational Struggles

The proximity of the homeless shelter has significantly impacted the museum’s visitor numbers, which have dropped as drastically as during the COVID-19 closures. Founder Lewis Bartholomew highlighted that potential visitors are deterred from visiting this part of town, leading to a substantial decline in attendance. Despite understanding the necessity of housing for the homeless, the museum operators had anticipated that the shelter would relocate within six to twelve months. However, the shelter remains, and the museum now faces severe operational difficulties, with staff members personally funding its continued operation.

The Search for a New Home

While BC Housing has identified a potential new location for the shelter, completion is not expected for at least three years. This delay has left the museum in a precarious position, with its lease set to expire in October. The museum’s team, now down to three dedicated staff members, has been exploring alternative locations. A promising property across the highway in Cumberland has been identified, but the prohibitive costs pose a significant barrier. Bartholomew bluntly stated, “We’re penniless,” emphasizing the museum’s dire need for financial assistance to secure this new site.

Community Impact and Safety Concerns

The situation has also raised safety concerns, with incidents of drug overdoses, including three fatalities, feces in hallways and entryways, and visitors feeling unsafe navigating the area. These issues have further alienated potential visitors, exacerbating the museum’s struggles. A woman’s reluctance to visit without an escort underscores the broader community’s perceptions of the area’s safety, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution.

A Call to Action

In the face of these challenges, the museum is appealing to the community for support. Donations or sponsorship are crucial to help acquire the new Cumberland property, ensuring the museum’s survival. Without such assistance, the museum may be forced to close its doors permanently, a loss that would resonate deeply within the community.

The Race Against Time

With its lease nearing expiration and the complexities of securing a new location, the HMCS Alberni Museum and Memorial finds itself in a race against time. The museum not only preserves a vital part of historical memory but also serves as a community hub, connecting current and future generations with the past. The hope remains that through community support and renewed efforts, this cherished institution can continue its mission, honoring the legacy of the 59 men who gave their lives during World War II.