Housing and Homelessness

Modular housing is a cost-effective way of providing needed housing quickly, says B.C. Housing. (Contributed - B.C. Housing)

First modular affordable housing building eyed for Sooke

The four-storey, 75-unit project is located at 2170 Charters Rd.

Modular housing is a cost-effective way of providing needed housing quickly, says B.C. Housing. (Contributed - B.C. Housing)
John Edmondson from Bread of Life Society in Port Alberni stands across from the Beaufort Hotel building. The Bread of Life and Lookout Society are partnering to buy the building and turn it into a full-service facility for people who are hard to house. (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)

Bread of Life partners with Vancouver society to buy Beaufort Hotel

Lookout, BOL plan $6.5M low barrier housing facility for Port Alberni

John Edmondson from Bread of Life Society in Port Alberni stands across from the Beaufort Hotel building. The Bread of Life and Lookout Society are partnering to buy the building and turn it into a full-service facility for people who are hard to house. (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)
Graham Hughes of Port Alberni, who organized a protest against Port Alberni’s shelter society, is released from holding cells at the Port Alberni RCMP station after being arrested earlier in the morning on Friday, Oct. 30, 2020. Hughes and other protesters have been ordered to take down their tent city. (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)

Supreme Court orders Literacy Alberni, employee to pay $344,000 in defamation suit

B.C. judge calls for removal of online posts about Port Alberni Shelter Society

Graham Hughes of Port Alberni, who organized a protest against Port Alberni’s shelter society, is released from holding cells at the Port Alberni RCMP station after being arrested earlier in the morning on Friday, Oct. 30, 2020. Hughes and other protesters have been ordered to take down their tent city. (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)
A new report presented to Victoria council July 22 outlines barriers and recommendations to ending homelessness in Greater Victoria. (Black Press Media file photo)
A new report presented to Victoria council July 22 outlines barriers and recommendations to ending homelessness in Greater Victoria. (Black Press Media file photo)
Campbell River’s 2021 Point in Time count found 116 people were experiencing homelessness on the day of the count. File photo

First Campbell River homelessness count in three years sees 43 per cent increase

And First Point in Time count doesn’t reflect all forms of homelessness

Campbell River’s 2021 Point in Time count found 116 people were experiencing homelessness on the day of the count. File photo
The vacant Mount Tolmie Hospital building will this month receive residents currently sheltered at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, to make way for an Olympic qualifier basketball tournament. (Google Streetview)

Victoria arena shelter residents being moved ahead of Olympic basketball qualifier

Accommodation upgrade for 43 individuals relocating to vacant Mount Tolmie Hospital

The vacant Mount Tolmie Hospital building will this month receive residents currently sheltered at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, to make way for an Olympic qualifier basketball tournament. (Google Streetview)
A motion to ban camping on Beacon Hill Park passed a committee-of-the-whole vote Thursday. The final decision will be made at the June 17 council meeting. (Black Press Media file photo)

Motion to ban camping in Beacon Hill Park for 2 years passes committee vote

Decision to be ratified at June 17 council meeting

A motion to ban camping on Beacon Hill Park passed a committee-of-the-whole vote Thursday. The final decision will be made at the June 17 council meeting. (Black Press Media file photo)
Two community organizations are opposing a motion headed to Victoria council June 3 that suggests a two year ban on camping in Beacon Hill Park. (Courtesy of The Existence Project)

Community groups oppose camping ban at Beacon Hill Park

Motion calling for two-year ban to be discussed by Victoria council June 3

Two community organizations are opposing a motion headed to Victoria council June 3 that suggests a two year ban on camping in Beacon Hill Park. (Courtesy of The Existence Project)
A motion heading to Victoria council’s committee-of-the-whole this Thursday (June 3) aims to prohibit sheltering in Beacon Hill Park for two years. (Black Press Media file photo)

Victoria council to consider two-year camping ban in Beacon Hill Park

Motion on June 3 agenda calls for park rehabilitation period in wake of intensive camping

A motion heading to Victoria council’s committee-of-the-whole this Thursday (June 3) aims to prohibit sheltering in Beacon Hill Park for two years. (Black Press Media file photo)
The entrance to one of the tiny homes in Victoria’s Tiny Home Village. (Kiernan Green/News Staff)

Victoria Tiny Home Village resident evicted for lighting small fire

No damage or injuries, but zero-tolerance rule stands

The entrance to one of the tiny homes in Victoria’s Tiny Home Village. (Kiernan Green/News Staff)
BC Housing minister David Eby. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito)

Eby jabs back against Penticton mayor’s ad urging BC Premier to intervene in shelter dispute

Eby writes that Penticton’s ‘serious’ social issues won’t improve under leadership of the mayor

BC Housing minister David Eby. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito)
The Tiny Home Village, at 940 Caledonia Ave., is set to welcome 30 residents starting May 12. (Jane Skrypnek/News Staff)
The Tiny Home Village, at 940 Caledonia Ave., is set to welcome 30 residents starting May 12. (Jane Skrypnek/News Staff)
A tenant starter kit will help newly housed people transition from a survival mindset to a secure, safe place where they can start planning ahead. (Photo courtesy of Our Place)

Tenant starter kits help support people moving into long-term homes in Victoria

For the formerly homeless, it takes more than just the new address to transition

A tenant starter kit will help newly housed people transition from a survival mindset to a secure, safe place where they can start planning ahead. (Photo courtesy of Our Place)
Some recommendations from the Downtown Safety Select Committee have been approved by Campbell River City Council, including removing the glass stage covering at Spirit Square. Photo by Marc Kitteringham, Campbell River Mirror

Campbell River proceeds with ‘mean-spirited’ Spirit Square stage covering removal

But mayor acknowledges need for ‘welcoming, warm place with support services’

Some recommendations from the Downtown Safety Select Committee have been approved by Campbell River City Council, including removing the glass stage covering at Spirit Square. Photo by Marc Kitteringham, Campbell River Mirror
The Campbell River and District Coalition to End Homelessness will be drafting a letter to the city about the Downtown Safety Select Committee recommendations. Photo by Marc Kitteringham, Campbell River Mirror

‘Mean-spirited, dangerous:’ homeless advocates bash Campbell River safety plans

‘It shocks me that our community would have this kind of response’

The Campbell River and District Coalition to End Homelessness will be drafting a letter to the city about the Downtown Safety Select Committee recommendations. Photo by Marc Kitteringham, Campbell River Mirror
“Occupy the Shelter” protesters have set up a covered area, propane heaters and some tents in front of Our Home on Eighth, Port Alberni’s multi-service shelter, to protest the way homelessness is being dealt with. Oct. 25, 2020 (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)

BC Housing report calls for changes at Port Alberni’s shelter

Third-party consultant makes 10 recommendations to improve service, safety, communication

“Occupy the Shelter” protesters have set up a covered area, propane heaters and some tents in front of Our Home on Eighth, Port Alberni’s multi-service shelter, to protest the way homelessness is being dealt with. Oct. 25, 2020 (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)
The former Speed Source Fitness building on Otter Point Road has been used as a shelter for Sooke’s homeless population since last July. (Kevin Laird - Sooke News Mirror)
The former Speed Source Fitness building on Otter Point Road has been used as a shelter for Sooke’s homeless population since last July. (Kevin Laird - Sooke News Mirror)
BC Housing minister David Eby is concerned that Penticton council’s decision to close a local homeless shelter will result in a “tent city” similar to this one in Everett, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / Black Press file)

‘Disappointed and baffled’ B.C. housing minister warns of tent city in Penticton

Penticton council’s decision to close a local homeless shelter could create tent city, says David Eby

BC Housing minister David Eby is concerned that Penticton council’s decision to close a local homeless shelter will result in a “tent city” similar to this one in Everett, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / Black Press file)
The Downtown Safety Select Committee has floated the idea of removing the glass on the Spirit Square stage structure in the winter. Photo by Marc Kitteringham, Campbell River Mirror

Campbell River Spirit Square glass removal bad for the homeless?

Committee floats idea of removing glass roof from public facility, advocates object

The Downtown Safety Select Committee has floated the idea of removing the glass on the Spirit Square stage structure in the winter. Photo by Marc Kitteringham, Campbell River Mirror
BC Housing ensures that by March 31, shelter will be available to all people living outside. (Black Press Media file photo)

Mayor: All Victoria’s unhoused will be offered shelter by no-camping deadline

BC Housing working to secure shelter locations in coming weeks

BC Housing ensures that by March 31, shelter will be available to all people living outside. (Black Press Media file photo)