Parksville seasonal shelter plans shelved due to funding delays

Plans for a temporary 10-mat seasonal shelter for unhoused individuals in Parksville have been shelved. DayHomes Society CEO Shayla Day stated that timelines will not allow the organization to secure necessary funding from BC Housing before winter.

According to Day, BC Housing requires municipal approvals and a confirmed opening date to finalize funding. The delay creates a circular issue where the society needs a site to advance the application, but funding depends on having a site and date set. The project, which would have offered indoor spaces for up to seven months, faced community concerns regarding theft and drug use during a recent public information session.

In separate regional news, the Campbell River City Council approved up to $10,000 from its contingency fund to install a security camera at Ken Forde Park. The measure aims to deter late-night disturbances, including vehicle burnouts and noise, reported by local residents. Additionally, Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North celebrated the Magpantay family becoming homeowners in the Comox Valley through its affordable housing program.