The District of Saanich has heard the call for aid from the City of Victoria and now wants to open more temporary shelter spaces to house individuals during extreme weather events.
Over the last couple months, the City of Victoria has been looking into their own Extreme Weather Response (EWR) plans, and realized that they take on the vast majority of the burden when it comes to housing people when emergency shelters are needed.
During a staff report, a City worker tasked with reviewing and coordinating Victoria’s EWR plan told council that surrounding municipalities frequently put unhoused individuals seeking shelter into taxis, and send them to utilize the City’s resources.
The issue is that Victoria’s emergency weather resources can be overwhelmed, while other municipalities do not establish resources of their own.
The only temporary emergency shelter spaces outside ofVictoria are: Saanich, which currently has just 25 year-round mats, Sooke has 13 EWR mats and Salt Spring Island has 30 year-round mats, as well as 10 EWR mats.
Victoria’s city council wrote to all surrounding municipalities, asking for them to establish their own EWR shelter spaces.
This week, Saanich council endorsed a recommendation that directs staff to work in collaboration with third-party community organizations to increase emergency weather options available.
“Saanich is committed to the safety and well-being of our unhoused residents. We are continuing the proactive work with our partners to address the pressing need for shelter spaces in Saanich and the region,” says Mayor Dean Murdock.
“Saanich will continue to play an active role in supporting unhoused members of our community.”
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Part of this process will see District staff explore opportunities for collaboration with third-party organizations to assist in providing additional EWR shelter spaces.
One party, who has already expressed interest, is Broadview United Church, located at 3703 St. Aidan’s Street.
With the District’s help, and the help of BC Housing, they would set up and manage an EWR shelter at the church.
The Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC) will also be contacted by staff to explore the notion of expanding EWR shelter capacities at their site.
“We are grateful for the support of all our regional partners, particularly the Victoria Native Friendship Centre and Broadview United Church,” Murdock continued.
“With their support and the support of our community, we are taking great strides towards addressing these complex challenges.”
Saanich council has also directed staff to follow in Victoria’s footsteps and work with neighbouring municipalities to coordinate efforts, share information and facilitate regional collaboration during extreme weather responses.
