“We are in a homelessness crisis … Therefore, it is recommended that … the City immediately amend its zoning regulations to permit social service centre use throughout Victoria …”

These were the opening words of Mayor Alto’s radical proposal in mid-June to insert shelters or “social service centres” throughout Victoria neighbourhoods without input from neighbouring residents. The bylaw to sanction this “Zoning for Social Services for Unhoused Victorians” was passed on a 6-3 vote on July 25.  Under certain conditions, “social services for the unhoused” can now be created in the city without an open public process, as long as the facility does not involve the construction of a new building which is beyond the size/density envisioned within the OCP.  

While the “New Access Hub for Street Community”, referred to as the SOLID-Dowler facility pre-dated the passing of the July 25 bylaw, it is nevertheless considered a “social services centre”. At a community meeting held on July 9, SOLID management confirmed that illicit drug use would be permitted at this site but SOLID staff would not provide drugs. The site was not deemed a “formal consumption site” as people consuming drugs would not have medical supervision. Oversight and maintaining order would be “peer-based”.

On July 25th, while considering the Mayor’s initiative, I discovered a wrinkle, one that does not bode well for our democratic process.

The Wrinkle – July 25th

Council considered and approved with an 8-1 vote the revised Delegation Bylaw.  The purpose of this bylaw is to facilitate more efficient operations by expanding the types of delegations that designated City employees can approve, negotiate and administer on behalf of the City without the need for specific Council approval. 

While I had supported the development of this bylaw prior to July 25, I could no longer do so as, for me, the Delegation Bylaw no longer refers to minor or operational-driven changes. 

Earlier in the Council meeting, during consideration of the Social Services Centres Zoning Amendment Bylaw, I enquired as to whether consideration and approval of any additional centres would fall within the scope of the Delegation Bylaw.  The response was ‘yes’; the approval of these centres would need only staff approval.  Not only would the general public not be consulted on additional centres, Councillors also would not have a voice.

This approach – decisions being made without broad consultation does not reflect my concept of good civic governance.

The parking lots – September 5th

Mayor Alto proposed a policy that would offer incentives for community organizations (select cultural and religious centres) to offer temporary overnight sheltering space in parking lots. 

My position, forwarded at Council’s committee meeting, was that shifting sheltering, or growing the number of those sheltering, throughout the city further anchors or entrenches the problems associated with those Premier Eby has described as having mental health, brain injury, and chronic addictions into our City.

Significant public opinion expressed through media by residents and cultural groups, and the Councillor debate (see link below), shifted the vote.  A councillor stated that although he had committed support for the motion to Mayor Alto, he had changed his mind.  The motion was defeated 5-4.

Sheltering in Parks and other Public Places

Sheltering on streets and in parks has been greatly reduced.  Through superb, and difficult work, the contracted housing relocation consultant from Pacifica Housing and City of Victoria Bylaw officers have achieved significant resettling of many people who had been sheltering in public places.

However, certain locations continue to experience significant entrenched outdoor sheltering.  The most affected park is Gonzales Park and the most affected area is north of downtown, on or near Ellice and Princess streets. I receive updates from residents in different parts of the City about more scattered sheltering, mainly in park areas but also on sidewalks. 

Drug use in public places …

Drug use in public is no longer sanctioned.  People may have gotten so used to observing open drug use that they may not be reporting it as they once did.  VicPD has suggested that people report drug use in open places, with locations, so that VicPd could use info to monitor/review etc. For non-emergency, please report open drug use to VicPD at 250-995-7654.

Links to City Meetings

Victoria City Committee of the Whole – Thursday September 5, 2024
H.3 Incentives for Temporary Sheltering on Some Surface Parking Lots

Victoria City Council – Thursday July 25, 2024
F.3 Bylaw for Social Services Centres Zoning Amendment Bylaw and F.6 Delegation Bylaw