Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim's call to halt new supportive housing construction in the Downtown Eastside has ignited a debate across the region, with Victoria and Nanaimo mayors echoing his desire for a more equitable distribution of resources.
After Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim stated his intention to halt the construction of supportive housing in the Downtown Eastside on Thursday, mayors in Victoria and Nanaimo have echoed his sentiment, advocating for a similar approach in their respective cities. Sim announced his plan to bring a motion before Vancouver City Council to temporarily suspend the development of new supportive housing units until there is a more equitable distribution of supportive housing across the region.
He argues that the Downtown Eastside currently bears the brunt of the region's supportive housing burden, accommodating 77% of the total units despite housing only 25% of the area's population. Sim envisions a revitalization of the Downtown Eastside rather than further expansion of supportive housing and proposes a collaborative regional strategy for service and housing provision.On Vancouver Island, mayors are increasingly calling for a similar approach. In Victoria, Pandora Avenue has become notorious for open drug dealing, substance use, and individuals resorting to sleeping on the streets. Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps has repeatedly urged neighboring municipalities to contribute their share to supportive housing, shelter, and services for their residents in need. Victoria currently faces a significant challenge with nearly 1,700 unhoused residents. While Sidney, Saanich, and Langford plan to open additional emergency shelter beds, Helps expresses continued frustration at the pace of progress and concerns about the delay.Meanwhile, Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog estimates that between 900 and 1,000 individuals experience homelessness in his city. He acknowledges the pressing need for supportive housing and services throughout the mid-Island region. Krog expresses understanding for Sim's stance, stating that communities cannot continue to bear the overwhelming burden alone. He emphasizes the city's struggle with a crisis of misery and street disorder, highlighting the impact on families and residents. B.C.'s Housing Minister, Ravi Kahlon, acknowledges the frustrations voiced by mayors but stresses the importance of collective action. He asserts that the primary obstacle to addressing homelessness is not funding but rather communities stepping forward and recognizing their shared responsibility for their residents' well-being
Supportive Housing Homelessness Regional Housing Vancouver Victoria Nanaimo
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