A pair of Victoria councillors want to check in with neighbouring municipalities on their plans to provide shelter for unhoused people during extreme weather ahead of fall.
A motion poised for discussion during the Thursday (July 31) meeting, penned by Couns. Krista Loughton and Dave Thompson, would ask staff to gather information on the 2025/26 Emergency Weather Response Plan for Victoria and what is planned for other regional municipalities, reporting back before Sept. 25.
It’s an issue that arises each fall, with Victoria last year voicing frustration over the amount of shelter beds the city provides compared to primarily Saanich.
“It is prudent to update the plan and check in with other municipalities so that the region is prepared for the winter months and the system runs efficiently when extreme winter weather occurs,” the motion states. “The city has paid for and operated extreme weather warming and cooling centres and, while it continues to negotiate with the province for financial support for this locally delivered provincial responsibility, the city expects EWR (Extreme Weather Response Plan) services will need to expand as extreme climate incidents continue.”
Each winter BC Housing coordinates with local service providers to create an EWR to provide shelter for unhoused people in extreme winter weather. The plan outlines activation criteria, identifies a regional coordinator, service providers participating and includes the number of available spaces.
Victoria has a similar Emergency Winter Weather Response Plan, updated annually to reflect the changing capacity and needs of the community.
In a weather emergency where all available resources are exhausted, the City of Victoria plan is activated, opening additional spaces.
“These spaces are often used by residents from other regional municipalities that don’t have BC Housing EWR Plans, shelter services, or adequate emergency plans for extreme weather,” the motion notes.
It’s slated for discussion when council sits as committee starting at 9 a.m. Thursday. Find the agenda and ways to participate online at victoria.ca.
