As winter approaches, community workers in the Oceanside area of Vancouver Island are raising concerns about the lack of warming centres and shelter space for people experiencing homelessness. The region, which includes Parksville, Qualicum Beach, and surrounding areas, has no concrete plans for a cold-weather shelter, and last winter only one extreme weather shelter was opened temporarily in Qualicum Beach.
Risebridge, a non-profit organization, has secured funding and plans to operate a warming centre and shelter, but it is facing resistance from the City of Parksville. The organization has been blocked by a zoning bylaw that restricts shelter facilities to a specific area, despite operating shelters at Knox United Church in previous years. Risebridge has funding from the federal Reaching Homes program and B.C. Housing, but the money won’t be available until a shelter is established.
Critics, including local activists and Moms Stop the Harm, are urging the city to act urgently to prevent more people from freezing on the streets. The city’s delay in addressing the issue has drawn frustration, with Risebridge officials stating that the process to amend the bylaw and open the shelter could take up to a year. Local advocates stress the need for immediate action to protect vulnerable individuals this winter.
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