RCMP speak to sudden death of Genelle woman, housing issues in Trail
By Trail Champion
On Monday, Aug. 8, at 8:32 a.m., frontline Trail and Greater District RCMP officers responded to a report of the sudden death of a 62-year-old Genelle woman in a forested area near the Birch Bank Station Road in Trail, according to Trail RCMP Sgt. Mike Wicentowich. He said the woman was discovered deceased by a man walking his dog in the area, who then reported his discovery to the police.
Officers attended the scene and located the deceased with the assistance of the man. Officers conducted a detailed investigation over the course of the day in consultation with the Southeast District RCMP Major Crimes Unit and the BC Coroner Service. Investigators confirmed that foul play was not a factor in the woman’s death and the investigation has been turned over to the BC Coroner Service.
I would like the message to be that if you are struggling, there is help available. You do not have to suffer alone. Please reach out to one of the many services available in our community, or contact the Trail Detachment to consult with an officer on options available if you do not know where to turn,” Wicentowich said.
As a member of the Supportive Housing Committee, Trail and Greater District RCMP is sharing the fact that BC Housing and the City of Trail are proposing to build a 25-bed shelter at 2039 Riverside Avenue. Members of the community are invited to share feedback and questions, and to help increase community awareness of this proposal by sharing with your networks.
Please check out the Let’s Talk page for details.
Please also share your questions, comments, or concerns by emailing: communityrelations@bchousing.org
People experiencing homelessness can include seniors, people with disabilities, people who have experienced trauma or poverty, or who are struggling with the high cost of housing. We all understand that a new shelter is needed to replace the current shelter in Downtown Trail. That location is scheduled to close this Fall and is not suitable for longer-term use. However, the downtown shelter is needed until a different site is proposed and considered by the community (happening now), then voted on by Council (August 21). The goal is to for the new shelter to be open by Winter 2023/24. If this site is not approved, there is no other site that will be possible before winter.
BC Housing is planning to seek a Temporary Use Permit for the proposed project at the Council meeting on Aug. 21, 2023 at 6 p.m. Community participation is welcomed at the meeting, and in advance by connecting with BC Housing of the City of Trail. Please visit the Trail City Hall website for more information.
