Dear friends, parents, supporters,
Communities and grass roots groups across BC are organizing to advocate for candidates to prioritize treatment, recovery, and safety in policies.
As this aligns with our desired outcome for thoughtful planning within the City of Vancouver, I am pleased to say we are participating in today's event.
Please read the below release and from now until October 19 look for and ask candidates to present their views on these facets of policy and we ask you to consider voting accordingly.
As always, yours in the advancement of policy. We have participated with this following quote:
"Parents want to see neighbourhoods calmed and leaders elected that prioritize the next generation with planning and policies that champion the health and safety of kids, first. A focus on children’s safety ultimately helps to safeguard everyone."
- Parents For Thoughtful City Planning
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Media Release
October 10, 2024
Call for Change: BC Community Groups Demand Action on Housing and Overdose Crisis
BC community groups are calling for urgent reforms in low-barrier housing and consumption site policies, outlined in our Call for Change at found at www.call4change.ca
Since the Provincial government declared an opioid crisis in 2016, over 14,000 lives have been lost, and existing harm reduction strategies have failed to address rising homelessness and overdose deaths while compromising public safety.
During the recent Leaders Debate on CKNW, NDP Leader David Eby admitted that the current supportive housing model isn’t meeting residents’ needs. Yet, many sites continue despite community objections, with legislation like Bill 18 and Bill 26, intended to silence community voices regarding low barrier housing at 7th & Arbutus. The decision to "pause" discussions on the Cambie Permanent Housing site until after the election further shows a lack of genuine engagement.
As we approach the October 19 BC Provincial Election, we urge candidates and parties to prioritize:
Recovery-Oriented Housing: Replace low-barrier congregate housing with recovery oriented housing and regional recovery communities focused on independent living.
Affordable Treatment: Eliminate financial barriers to addiction services and provide immediate access to detox and services.
Community Engagement: Involve local communities in decision-making to address public safety concerns.
Support for Families: Create comprehensive programs for families affected by addiction.
Government Accountability: Conduct audits of services and spending to ensure effectiveness and value. Conduct audits of Pharmaceutical Agreements and BC Housing spending on construction and Operators of Low Barrier Housing to focus on successful outcomes of social integration, instead of misaligned metrics like number of units built, or how long someone has lived in place.
We invite candidates to share their positions on this Call for Change through their campaigns and social media. Communities across BC are ready to engage with local media and candidates on these pressing issues.
Media Contacts:
In the Lower Mainland, representatives from the Kitsilano Coalition and Keep Richmond Safe will be available for interviews on October 10 from 10 AM to 11 AM at the proposed Low Barrier Supportive Housing site (2086-2098 West 7th Ave, Vancouver). Cnr of 7th & Arbutus St. Registered candidates are welcome to attend.
This release is also being sent to BCNDP, BC Conservatives, and BC Green parties, posted media contacts and extended to candidates in various regions to discuss these topics.
Media and Candidates outside of lower mainland can reach out to the respective groups in their location via contacts below.
Kitsilano Coalition - Vancouver
Link : https://www.kitsilanocoalition.org/
Media Contact : info@kitsilanocoalition.org
Quote : We recognize the need for social and supportive housing, however the 7th/Arbutus proposal fails our community, particularly with a nearby elementary school and women's recovery home. The lack of transparency and engagement from the City and BC government is alarming; we urge candidates to prioritize public safety, community feedback and support for those in need while also holding the government accountable for positive outcomes for all.
Keep Richmond Safe - Richmond
Link : https://stopcph.ca/
https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-cambie-permanent-housing-cph-in-richmond-bc
Media Contact : info@keeprichmondsafe.ca
Quote : Keep Richmond Safe supports housing for those experiencing homeless and treatment for those suffering addiction and mental health needs, but opposes models that risk harming the community. While we support housing for vulnerable populations, the low-barrier model for CPH lacks necessary oversight. Without proper regulations, it could endanger families and children. A balanced approach is needed to ensure both housing and safety.
Concerned Citizens of East Keith Road - North Vancouver
Link: https://www.change.org/p/concerned-citizens-of-east-keith-road
Media Contact : concernedcitizensofeastkeith@gmail.com
Quote : We support care and services for people struggling with homelessness, addiction, and metal health challenges. However, the model presented for this site has proven to be a failure; both for the people it's designed to help, and for the communities they are forced upon. Also, the lack of transparency, consultation, and the outright dismissal of community concerns during the Planning and Public Hearing Process is very disturbing and concerning for the future of public debate. We are calling for change on all fronts.
Change Stephen Village - Kelowna
Link: https://www.change.org/p/change-stephen-village
Media Contact : changestephenvillage@gmail.com
Quote : The time for change is now, and the situation at Stephen Village is a clear example of why action is urgently needed. We are deeply concerned about the ongoing issues of drug activity, violence, and public safety risks that have plagued this community. Despite these growing concerns, the mayor and city council have remained silent leaving our neighbourhoods vulnerable. We are calling on both the current & future government to take decisive action to protect our communities. It’s a matter of public safety that demands immediate attention.
Parents for Thoughtful City Planning - Vancouver
Link: https://www.change.org/p/oppose-un-supported-low-barrier-housing-proposal-for-arbutus-7th-8th
Media Contact : parents4tcp@gmail.com
Quote : Parents want to see neighbourhoods calmed and leaders elected that prioritize the next generation with planning and policies that champion the health and safety of kids, first. A focus on children’s safety ultimately helps to safeguard everyone.
People of Princess Avenue - Stop 2155 Dowler - Victoria
Media Contact : peopleofprincessave@gmail.com
Quote :Our priority is the safety of our vulnerable children and the seniors and people with disabilities who live next door to the proposed site at 2155 Dowler Place. Knowingly and deliberately moving an unregulated, unofficial drug consumption site and hub for unhoused individuals with complex addiction and mental health issues into a quiet, family-oriented neighbourhood is reckless and endangers the safety of families.
Support Glenmore Community - Kelowna
Link : https://www.change.org/p/support-glenmore-community
Media Contact : glenmoregroup2024@gmail.com
Quote: We believe the community should have input into the type of supportive housing that goes into our neighborhoods and that public consultation on supportive housing should be mandatory.