It’s no secret that the City of Victoria is carrying the lion’s share of providing shelter, services, and supportive housing for our vulnerable neighbours; a burden that is too big for one municipality to bear.

Just as we consider Saanich, Sidney, Oak Bay and so on, our neighbours, so should they consider lending a neighbourly hand in this all-hands-on-deck emergency.

Their refusal to provide shelter and support to the most vulnerable members of our communities is nothing short of unneighbourly.

In fact, many unhoused individuals have travelled into Victoria from other municipalities in the Capital Regional District due to a lack of shelters and services in their area. It’s beyond time for other councils to participate in caring for our unhoused neighbours.

Poverty exists. Addiction exists. They will not disappear by ignoring them, yet our fellow CRD members are choosing to be part of the problem by refusing to provide shelter and care.

We need everyone to be part of the solution. How big will they allow this crisis to get before they realize that they could and should offer to help ease the load?

Inspired by Rev. Kelly Duncan in Sidney, Victoria Coun. Krista Loughton has suggested all mayors and councillors from across the region, including herself, spend a night on the streets, in hopes the experience will encourage them to take meaningful action towards providing shelter and moving........

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