The District of Sechelt wants a seat at the table as the province conducts a review of supportive housing programs and policies across B.C.
At the July 16 regular meeting of district council, Coun. Alton Toth brought forward a notice of motion stating that while the expert review panel includes police services, health authorities, Indigenous partners and non-profit housing providers, there is no representation from any local governments “directly impacted by the social and financial consequences of hosting supportive housing.”
“This supportive housing review that the province is undertaking does not include any municipal participation at this time from any size of municipality,” said Toth. “And so, when I was drafting the resolution, I was contemplating requesting an opportunity for the District of Sechelt or other municipal governments to provide meaningful representation. But this is our council. This is our motion. You miss 100 per cent of the shots that you don't take. So, I think Sechelt asking for a seat at this table is the prudent course…”
A provincial government news release about the review reads in part, “people living and those working in supportive housing will be safer and better supported as the province begins work to ensure housing providers are able to take quick and decisive action against problematic tenants and guests, and address air-quality issues related to second-hand exposure to fentanyl.
“A new, time-limited working group will act on requests from housing providers for more authority to respond to urgent safety issues and to explore the potential to remove supportive housing from the Residential Tenancy Act. This will help to better address problematic and dangerous individuals taking advantage of vulnerable people, and better respond to weapons and criminal activity within supportive housing.”
Toth added even if it’s a municipality other than Sechelt added to the review panel, municipal representation can provide context to the operational impacts service providers just aren't going to be aware of, which he says is going to be critical to the outcome.
Toth’s motion notes, the district has had ongoing public safety challenges and community concerns related to the operation of provincially-funded supportive housing on Hightide Avenue, including incidents of theft, open drug use, and assault. Hightide Avenue is home to Hightide Modular supportive housing and the Sechelt Shelter, both operated by RainCity Housing. A homeless encampment, also lines part of Hightide Avenue.
Coun. Dianne McLauchlan said while she has some concerns about the district adding more work to its schedule, she is supportive of the motion.
“At least if we asked and if it’s Sechelt, well, then we'll just have to do more, but at least we'll get it in before them,” said McLauchlan. “And maybe they'll choose another municipality or group of municipalities, so it's a step in the right direction, so I'll support it.”
Coun. Adam Shepherd was also in support of the motion.
“Supportive housing is turning into, really, one of the most important issues facing the community. So, let's ask for a seat at the table with the province. And I hope something comes up in some role, because it's critical.”
The motion, which was passed unanimously, recommended the district write the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs to request an opportunity to provide meaningful representation as part of the review panel of supportive housing programs and policies.
“Be it further resolved, that a copy of this motion and subsequent letter be forwarded to MLA Randene Neill for information,” read the motion.
