The Loop on Kamloops North Shore (Photo via Google Street View)

The operator of The Loop drop-in centre plans to fight back, saying he is not happy after the property housing his facility at 405 Tranquille Road was sold to Kamloops realtor Brendan Shaw.

Speaking to Radio NL, Glenn Hilke says the sale is part of an “orchestrated campaign” to remove social services from the Tranquille corridor, one that he says has been going on for the past few years.

“Because its not part of the development and profit-making plan of the city, and the city’s partners,” Hilke said, noting that his lease – which is due to last for another 19 months – is being cut short as well.

“They are the NSBIA, ARPA Developments and other real estate developers. ARPA Developments and Joshua Knaak have been the main purchaser of property and developments on the North Shore for years.”

Both the NSBIA and Joshua Knaak of ARPA Investments issued statements on social media, distancing themselves from Hilke’s claims.

“In the spring of 2023, the NSBIA convened a meeting with health officials and social community leaders to discuss our desire to pursue community health and wellness solutions which work in the best interests of those affected by social challenges as well as the community they are served within,” the statement said. “During this meeting, it was unanimously agreed that we would embark on the development of an Integrated Access Hub to assist those who are displaced within our community.”

“We are eager to champion and pursue a more robust health outcome-based facility and remain fully committed to finding solutions to our challenges that are in the best interests of our entire community.”

“It’s flattering that I’m named as ‘a major purchaser of property on the North Shore,'” Knaak said. “Hilke has demonstrated zero interest in integrating his operations with those of the rest of the community.

“With that being said, I and any of my companies, are not involved in the purchase of this property. However, I am very happy to see it change hands to an organization that will be constructive and beneficial to the community.”

“We have been very supportive of well run, responsibly operated non profits that assist those that need assistance. The Loop is not one of those,” Knaak added.”

It’s flattering that I’m named as “a major purchaser of property on the North Shore.”

I believe the North Shore is amazing. I live there. I believe it can be even more amazing.

What it needs is to have poor operators, like those running The Loop, to leave. 1/x https://t.co/n4K2znTpIc

— Joshua Knaak (@JoshuaKnaak) April 16, 2024

Hilke says the closure of The Loop will mean the end of “much needed” services for the roughly 100 people who access the facility every day, noting the area is under-serviced by social agencies. A notable instance was in 2022 when The Loop offered people overnight shelter as temperatures dropped when other shelter spaces weren’t ready to open.

“There is nothing else on the North Shore,” Hilke said. “We are it when it comes to food security and when it comes to quick responses for people’s critical needs whether its driving them to the ER, taking them to legal appointments, bringing them to our new pharmacy neighbour Pivot RX that has been an amazing help.”

“What The Loop does is unique.”

The property though has not been without issue, most notably due to people gathering outside and complaints about drug use and garbage. The building was designated a nuisance property by the City of Kamloops in 2021.

Hilke plans to fight eviction

While its not clear how much the property was sold for, Hilke and The Loop have 20 days to vacate the premises.

Hilke says he was told about the sale on Monday. He tells Radio NL he’s reached out to law firms in Kamloops and Kelowna as he plans to fight the eviction.

“We have no allusions that Brendan Shaw is going to embrace us as his tenant. We have no vendetta against Brendan Shaw either,” Hilke said.

“If Brendan Shaw would like to do the right thing and assist in a logical, rational transition [and if] he wants to do the right thing and make sure that this is not going to be chaotic disruption that is going to deepen the issue and the crisis, we’re open to discussing that with him.”

“We will take the necessary measures to make sure that what ever is going to occur, occurs in a humane way and not in a reactionary way that will just deepen the crisis and make lives miserable and I’m not just talking about poor people and homeless people, but it’ll make lives miserable for the business community and residents,” Hilke added.

Shaw says that Hilke was told about the eviction last week, saying that outlined the 20 day timeline for him to vacate the premises.

He also says he envisions turning the property into “a vibrant commercial space” though he says the facility will need a lot of clean up, repairs, and renovation work before that vision can be realized.

“Whether or not our office, our North Shore office, ends up utilizing some or all of that space or its available for lease in the future, nothing is off the table at this point,” Shaw said.

“There are lots of moving parts here just before a final decision is made.”

Sale in the works for a few months: Shaw

Shaw says the sale of the property has been in the works for a few months, noting he “chose not to disrupt The Loop during winter.”

“At the time when this property was being considered, it was winter, and we did not want to cause undue stress or disruption at The Loop and those it serves,” Shaw said. “This announcement comes after thoughtful consideration of the community’s needs and the property’s potential to contribute positively to the city’s growth.”

Shaw also says the decision to evict Hilke and The Loop came following discussions with local social agencies, the City of Kamloops, and the North Shore Business Improvement Association.

“We are interested to see what government, community, and non-profit organizations within our community seek to do with a coordinated approach and an array of programs and services to support those who currently rely on and use the services of The Loop,” Shaw said, referencing the plan to build the North Shore Access Hub.

“My hope is that with the investment to revitalize 405 Tranquille and the work of the City and social agencies, there can be a win-win solution for those who need social services and the area’s residents and local businesses.”

More to come