We all know that we have a major housing crisis on our hands here on Salt Spring and across the country.  While there are some projects in the works, even the Drake Road project will likely not be completed until the end of this year at the earliest and offering only 28 units when there is a need for many more. In the meantime, we all must face the reality that there are many community members that have nowhere to go. Some live in cars, vans, RVs and unsafe boats, while others are camped in tents.  Many are working members of our community who can't even afford the high rents, even if there were more rentals available. 

There are many community organizations working diligently to provide additional safe alternative options for housing, thinking creatively and collaboratively to meet the immediate crisis at hand. While the bureaucratic wheel turns slowly, people that are insecurely housed are living it every day and literally have nowhere to feel safe, and have a sense of belonging. 

Multiple community groups have been trying to work with CRD staff to find an INTERIM solution to this crisis and it has been challenging, but we're not giving up!

We are hoping to support the campers who are currently in Mouat Park and require necessities for human life. This is a temporary measure while we continue to pursue land opportunities, such as our work negotiating access for a CalmUnity Campground at Brackett Springs, among other possibilities. 

We have met with CRD staff and initially felt optimistic that we would be able to work together. We felt as though a true community process was in the works. 

Then, bylaw enforcement came to the camp and without notice were about to dismantle people's homes while no one was watching.

Luckily, a park user notified us and we were able to attend the scene and push back based on new Federal law and the appointment of a Federal Housing Advocate who recognizes that housing is a human rights issue. 

Bylaw Enforcement backed off, but issued a 48 hour notice to the campers. At this point, we contacted Gary Holman and asked him to encourage staff to delay enforcement until we can get back to the board room and collaborate on a solution that will meet the immediate and interim needs of those camped in the park. 

While we attempt to organize a community process, bylaw enforcement is not backing down to make space for that process.

At this stage, we believe that a show of community backing through this petition, will encourage the CRD to continue directly collaborating with the knowledgeable community groups to create a camp management plan that focuses on support and not heavy-handed enforcement like we have seen this past week. 

Let's make them uphold their motto of Making a Difference...Together