A commentary by a retired registered nurse who lives in Duncan.
I cannot believe that as taxpayers, we have to sacrifice our parks and golf courses to provide for the homeless who should be accommodated in a much better and more dignified manner.
I guess all the lawn bowling greens, sports fields, and stadiums will be on the chopping list next.
In September 2020, I wrote to 11 Greater Victoria mayors and the chair of the regional district, suggesting that if they didn’t make a major move together to find a solution for a protected camping area for the increased numbers of homeless citizens, our communities and business areas would suffer more and worse destruction would occur to the cities and parks
Look at the increased repair expense and loss of businesses that has occurred since then.
If they had planned together and funded according to the level of their tax base and population, perhaps their long-term solution could accommodate a problem that will remain with us for the long term.
In Duncan we had a housing complex built in 1974 with 122 bachelor and one bedroom suites created for disability pension citizens and seniors of low income, and now a second building is planned as numbers have greatly increased.
Why are we not requiring apartment rental buildings to be made in smaller square footage for lower income levels? Smaller bedrooms and kitchens are better than camping out.
We all have family members and acquaintances who can’t find rentals, know people who have difficulty accessing social services because they are located away from the mainstream, have lost someone who died due to an overdose while they lived in the forest, or those who need help applying for government assistance as they are unaware of what is available.
Why can’t local government leaders make a few simple decisions to provide help?
After working more than 40 years as a caregiver in Island Health, I am appalled that more has not been done. There have been many letters to the editor from concerned parents and caring citizens.
Many who are suffering from stolen or damaged property, or are afraid in their own homes. There is the dangers of fires being started at businesses or apartments. Yet not enough is being done.
This is a long-term problem and needs more permanent solutions. Why would we empty the huts that are working and providing a dry place to live? Move them to an organized colony with other services provided.
Six rental buildings are under construction here, and three more are planned, but most of these people cannot afford even a one-bedroom apartment.
While they wait for homes they are being influenced by the drug scene and stealing from the businesses to survive.
Mental health assessments and detox centres will not help if they don’t have a dry home off the streets.
Hoping for better support and solutions in these disastrous times.
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