Victoria has pushed back its proposed date for banning sheltering in at least four parks across the city as councillors this week emphasized the need to get things right.
That led council on Thursday (July 21) to ask for expert advice from staff on the impact of making bylaw changes before they’re finalized.
In early July, council unanimously approved a bylaw update that banned sheltering in Beacon Hill and Central parks. People were already barred from staying overnight in Beacon Hill Park at the time, but the temporary measure was to set expire on July 8 and a permanent closure would align the city with court decisions on the matter.
On top of that, councillors over the last month moved to end sheltering at Stadacona Park as of November and put an end to overnighting in Topaz, Hollywood and Regatta Point parks “by September” if the city could connect people with homes before then. Victoria requires those staying in any parks overnight to pack up their belongings between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Noting the city and non-profit groups are dealing with staffing constraints as they try to provide housing support for those in parks, council on Thursday approved Coun. Krista Loughton’s amendment to make all four proposed bans come into effect on Nov. 1.
Mayor Marianne Alto said non-profit operators and the province are poised to bring a significant number of new housing units online in the coming months. Councillors stressed that taking additional months to appropriately resolve the sheltering would signal to the province that the city is serious about upper levels of government finding a lasting solution to the issue.
Before council had a chance to vote on Coun. Marg Gardiner’s amendment to add Irving Park to the banned list, Alto moved that consideration of the prohibitions be referred in order to make the most informed decision.
The mayor said she supported both amendments and the overall bylaw updates, but it would first be prudent to hear from various staff departments on how the changes might impact the city’s wider approach to homelessness.
Alto said council has already moved the city toward better park management for all users while also considering the impact of those decisions on people who have no other option than to shelter.
“That balancing point is, I think, the most difficult and the most important when we consider all of these matters,” the mayor said. “We are in possession of limited authority but the need to address the conflicts that exist in public spaces between those who have privilege – like most of this table – and those who have none or little.”
Staff said they will likely report back on the bylaw change’s implications in the fall, ahead of Nov. 1.
READ: Victoria will ban sheltering at more parks in the coming months