Homelessness

Coun. Doug O’Brien’s motion to appoint a member to the task force was passed during council’s Feb. 7 meeting. Mayor Ed Mayne then appointed Coun. Marylin Wilson to the position.

“I find it unacceptable that the City of Parksville has been kept in the dark about the decision to locate emergency shelters in Parksville that inevitably require staff coordination with emergency services,” said Coun. Marilyn Wilson.

The shelter hosted by Knox United Church, in partnership with BC Housing, was planned to remain open until Jan. 10, but closed earlier this week.

Beginning Jan. 3, a shelter at Knox United Church will be open starting at 8 p.m., seven days a week. A shelter has been operating from Oceanside Community Church since Dec. 27 and will continue through Jan. 2.

B.C. seniors at risk of homelessness will get some help finding housing and other vital mental health supports, thanks to a provincial investment.

The task force identified 87 people experiencing homelessness in the region when it conducted a point in time homelessness count in April 2021.

Qualicum Beach held a public information session regarding a grant proposal for temporary dry recovery housing units at 747 Jones Street to address questions about the location, need for and operations of the project.

There are 19 homeless veterans in the Oceanside and Comox Valley regions — about 17 per cent are women, according to Sgt. Bill Webb (retired).

On top of providing daily news coverage, our reporters enjoy researching original stories. Here are the stories they are most proud of since beginning publishing in September.

“How much help and how much good I can do is really going to be based on how many people can throw some candles our way,” said Mike Hay.