Saanich, BC – With inclement weather scheduled to hit the region again this evening, Saanich is in communications with the Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC) regarding their capacity to provide shelter on a nightly basis and during extreme weather events.

The VNFC usually has 25 beds available to support those who are unhoused and an additional 8 beds will be made available in emergency situations, which includes extreme weather, bringing the total capacity to 33 shelter spaces.

The additional beds were made available to support Saanich’s vulnerable population during the windstorm on November 19. The VNFC advised Saanich that everyone who requested a bed on that night was accommodated.

The District of Saanich is aware that there are regional concerns about shelter space and is committed to ongoing discussions.

“Saanich is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable residents,” said Mayor Dean Murdock. “This week, discussions are underway with our partner agencies to get a better understanding of demand and options.”

“We continue to be immensely grateful for the resources available at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre and for the leadership of BC Housing, whose primary area of responsibility is support for the unhoused,” Murdock added.

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Media contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca