‘The opposite of rapid’: Delayed tiny shelters for Vancouver’s homeless long overdue
Global News
Vancouver's previous city council approved the pilot project for the tiny shelters in February 2022, but nearly two years later the facility still hasn't opened.
It was meant to be an innovative attempt to tackle Vancouver’s homeless crisis, but with fall weather approaching there are few signs that a twice-delayed tiny shelter village is close to opening.
Vancouver’s previous city council approved the pilot project for the tiny shelters in February 2022, allocating $1.5 million to the two-year initiative.
Each 100-square-foot unit is meant to come equipped with heat and air conditioning, power, space for two people and a lock on the door.
The village was initially slated to open last fall, but was delayed to spring 2023 — then delayed again, with just six of the planned 10 units ready to occupy.
“Knowing there are these systems out there and knowing that they’re starting to be deployed in other municipalities around B.C., it does frustrate me a little bit that we see folks still living rough in our city,” Vancouver Coun. Pete Fry, who voted for the pilot project, told Global News.
“It’s the opposite of rapid. We want to see a rapid solution to an immediate problem while we are waiting to build these long-range plans, including permanent housing.”
The project at 875 Terminal Ave., once complete, will be operated by the Lu’Ma Native Housing Society, which also runs a nearby shelter.
BC Housing directed questions about the project to the City of Vancouver.
A mother who was struck by a vehicle, along with the father and three other children, has now died from her injuries in hospital just over a month after the collision.
Erin McQueen believes her tools were stolen on Nov.16 while her truck was parked in Kelowna near Ellis Street and Clement Avenue.
"I am fighting for my daughter." How one Regina family is looking to the community to help raise money for a potentially live saving trip to the United States.
Kingston hosts the 59th Vanier Cup, featuring Laval vs. Laurier, promising excitement, economic impact, and family-friendly events. Full details on the big game.
Saskatchewan has been battling an increase in overdoses for many years. But based on recent data, Saskatchewan’s response to drug toxicity may be working.
A council representing Montreal and the suburban municipalities will vote on whether to stop the practice in the six West Island suburbs that treat their water with fluoride.
Trudeau said he would prefer the North American free trade agreement to remain in place, but that Ottawa was 'leaving all doors open' to secure Canadian interests.
The Florida Republican's announcement came one day after meeting with senators in an effort to win their support for his confirmation to lead the Justice Department.
Quebec's finance minister painted a positive picture of the province's finances, saying the province had a stronger-than-expected recovery from last year's economic slowdown.
Kingston ranks No. 2 in Canada for winter non-monogamy hot spots, reflecting its openness to alternative relationships.
Heffel Fine Art Auction House says “Masset, Q.C.I.” sold for $290,000 at its fall sale Wednesday night, above a presale estimate of $100,000 to $200,000.