No firm opening date set for emergency shelter in Summerside

The 10-bed emergency shelter in Summerside has been delayed yet again.

The initial hope from the province was to have the overnight facility for people without housing in Summerside up and running before winter set in last year.

Then officials with the province said the small complex made up of modular units would open the week of Oct. 15.

Now the provincial government isn't committing to a specific date. However, at a legislative standing committee on Wednesday, Jason Doyle, director of housing operations with the province, said the hope is to have the shelter up and running by the end of the month.

"It'll be open before the snow flies for sure," Doyle said.

"We're working hard on the operational side. We're ready to go on the operational side. We have a partnership with The Equality Project. Staff are hired. We're just in a bit of a waiting game with the construction piece.

"And I expect… I don't want to give a date, but before the end of October we will be open."

CBC News asked to speak with both Doyle and Minister of Housing, Land and Communities Steven Myers, but neither of them was made available for an interview.

In a written statement, a provincial spokesperson said the delay was due to "unforeseen" construction challenges.

"In this instance, our contractors ran into unforeseen challenges with mechanical and electrical systems that were uncovered after the modular units were placed. That also includes unexpected issues with the existing sprinkler system and ductwork. These issues required revisions to the work plan," the email said.

The province said contractors have hired more workers in an effort to complete the project before winter sets in.

A non-governmental organization called The Equality Project will run day-to-day operations at the shelter, with the province providing oversight.

"In the meantime, staff have been hired and gone through training as well as shadowing staff at Park Street [a similar shelter in Charlottetown]. Staff have also been conducting walkabouts to connect with vulnerable individuals in the area who could utilize the shelter," the province's email said.

While advocates who provide services to vulnerable people in Summerside are happy to see a shelter coming to the area, some are upset the service has been delayed multiple times.