British Columbia administration faces criticism as Victoria draws unwanted attention on a national level
Victoria's mayor and local businesses are pressing the British Columbia (B.C.) government to intensify its involvement in addressing the escalating homelessness and addictions crises in the capital city, as it makes headlines nationwide for the wrong reasons.
The Globe and Mail published two stories that portray Victoria as an "open-air drug market" on Pandora Avenue, the epicenter of the crises. This unfavorable national attention has led to apprehensions among local business owners, with some contemplating relocation due to long-standing problems such as theft, vandalism, and open drug use in the downtown core.
"This has become a national story. And yes, this issue is prevalent everywhere, but the widespread negative perception is damaging for business," said Jeff Bray, executive director of the Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA). The provincial government bears full responsibility for health care, mental health, addictions, and housing, according to Bray.
Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto echoed similar sentiments, expressing frustration when municipalities are expected to address problems that stem from gaps in provincial government programs. If the city didn't intervene, she stated that the situation would be more dire.
Over the past year, the municipality has invested more than $12-million in helping the homeless, with efforts including the provision of funding for a support facility called Dowler Place. This facility offers referrals to housing and addictions services.
The B.C. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon highlighted progress made by the government in recent months, stating that the number of people sleeping on Pandora Avenue has fallen from around 100 to 19. However, there are also instances of individuals repeatedly refusing housing. Kahlon suggested that municipalities seeking more resources should identify suitable locations for additional housing.
Community organizations such as the Our Place Society have achieved success stories with initiatives like the addiction treatment center, New Roads, located a short 20-minute drive away from downtown Victoria in the municipality of View Royal. The goal is to address these complex issues with a collaborative approach, involving both the city and community organizations.
The efforts are primarily geared toward providing affordable housing solutions and expanding mental health and addictions services, with the city and community organizations working together to address these pressing issues.
- The negative news coverage about Victoria as an "open-air drug market" has raised concerns among local business owners, prompting discussions about potential relocation due to ongoing issues like theft, vandalism, and drug use in the downtown area.
- Jeff Bray, the executive director of the Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA), believes that the provincial government should bear full responsibility for addressing health care, mental health, addictions, and housing issues.
- Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto expressed frustration that municipalities are often expected to address problems that stem from gaps in provincial government programs, stating that if the city didn't intervene, the situation would be much worse.
- Community organizations like the Our Place Society have seen success with initiatives like the addiction treatment center, New Roads, located in the municipality of View Royal. Their aim is to tackle these complex issues collaboratively, involving both the city and community organizations.
