Red Deer council approved Safe Harbour’s development permit to use its daytime warming centre as an overflow nighttime shelter until April, with up to 20 additional beds for the city’s homeless.

The agency made the application after it had to turn people away 75 times in November.

Executive director Kath Hoffman says council’s decision means enough space for those seeking shelter.

“You’re inside, it’s nice and warm, buddy rings the buzzer to come in. It’s freezing outside. You open the door. He feels that warm air coming at him and you have to say, no I can’t let you in,” Hoffman says.

“We’re happy we don’t have to do that again. It’s the worst thing. I feel almost unethical asking or telling my staff they have to do that. Terrible thing.”

The shelter sits on land zoned as Direct Control, making council the development authority to approve the use of a “temporary care facility” -- a discretionary use.

The city received three letters in support of the development and one opposed. Those against cited concerns like theft, vandalism, littering, and loitering.

In a November letter to council, Safe Harbour states it has secured provincial grants for two staff to provide shelter for up to 20 people.

Hoffman is hopeful that funds could soon be made available for a long-term solution to homelessness in the city. She says Safe Harbour made an application when Alberta Human Services invited non-profits providing temporary shelter services to submit an Expression of Interest in capital funding.