Jan 27: The Tent City group is moving from Saanichton Green to Pioneer Park in Brentwood Bay and should be there for two to three weeks. We are pleased with how police officers and district staff have interacted with the community and the campers, which has been instrumental in keeping this protest peaceful and free of significant disruption to date.
A BC Provincial Court ruling allows people with no home to camp temporarily on publicly owned land if sufficient alternative shelter is not available.
This small demonstration is to raise the profile of homeless in the region. The nomadic tent city is a peaceful protest that has been moving around the region for months and staying for about two to three weeks in most locations. The group has been to Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, View Royal, Colwood, Langford and the Cowichan Valley. The group is expected to consist of approximately 10 people.
Central Saanich police are monitoring the camp for public safety and will mitigate any issues that may arise; the group has been provided a bathroom facility, garbage disposal and needle disposal. The Fire Chief is also monitoring for safety. Based on the group’s history in other municipalities, we anticipate a peaceful and short demonstration.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Police Service at 250-652-4441.
Affordable housing
Greater Victoria faces an affordable housing shortage, and the District has contributed more than half a million dollars ($553,000) to the Capital Regional District’s Housing Trust Fund (RHTF) service. The District is also working to add more affordable housing to Central Saanich, and has seen a number of new builds add rentals and various types of housing to the community.
Ways to help
There are many ways to provide supplies or financial support, or to volunteer your time to help those in need in Greater Victoria. On the Peninsula, a few ways include:
The Sidney Lions Food Bank accepts donations to provide food and supplies for those in need. Most grocery stores on the Peninsula have donation bins and ways to provide financial support.
Beacon Community Services accepts donations and has many volunteer opportunities on the Peninsula and around the region.
For more information: http://cspolice.ca/demonstration-camp-sets-central-saanich/