The District of Saanich is considering ways to protect its most vulnerable people from the cold this winter, by working with local community groups to open more Extreme Weather Response (EWR) shelter spaces.
At its last meeting, council directed staff to work with non-profit organizations to mitigate the effects of extreme weather on the unhoused in the municipality.
“It’s very clear that we all need to do more in order to support unhoused individuals in our community, and Saanich is prepared to step up and do that,” Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock said.
“We’re committed to the safety and well-being of unhoused residents in our community. We want to make sure that we have spaces available to meet the needs quickly this winter.”
Broadview United Church, located at 3703 St. Aidan’s St., has told the district it’s interested in managing some EWR spaces with the help of the municipality and BC Housing’s Extreme Weather Response Program.
The Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC) is also in talks with the district to add more shelter spaces.
“As we sort of get deeper and deeper into solution building, we’re trying to find ways to increase our participation in that,” Ron Rice, the executive director, said.
Watch the report below:
The VNFC currently operates 25 shelter beds every night and five extreme weather spots.
Rice told CHEK News the centre is hoping to add another 25 permanent shelter spaces.
“I think it’s important for the whole community to be talking about a solution,” he added. “We are really grateful to be at the table now in having these discussions.”
The news from Saanich was welcomed at Victoria city hall Wednesday.
It has been calling for neighbouring municipalities to step up and open their own EWR shelter spaces instead of sending people to Victoria’s.
“I’m very happy about that decision,” said Victoria Coun. Krista Loughton. “I think it will help a lot to have those spaces open so when there are people in need, they have a closer place to go than to be dropped off in Victoria.”
According to Murdock, it is not yet known how many EWR spaces will open in the district as there are some logistics that still need to be worked out.
“Including identifying trained staff and volunteers who can help staff these facilities,” Murdock explained.
“The district doesn’t have trained staff in order to do that and these non-profits will need to create capacity within their organizations in order to have more shelter beds in place.”
He said it’s unlikely the spaces will be up and running when winter officially begins in three days, but hopes they will be ready this winter season.
Council has also directed staff to work with neighbouring municipalities to coordinate efforts and share information to facilitate regional collaboration and alignment in extreme weather responses.
