Whereas the BC 2023 Homeless Point-in-Time count recorded the largest measured increase of individuals experiencing homelessness since 2005 Metro Vancouver Regional District and Fraser Valley Regional District; with individuals experiencing homelessness for longer periods of time, and with more individuals in unsheltered environments due to insufficient permanent, temporary shelter or emergency beds throughout the regions; And whereas the provincial government, having outlined the strategic plan Belonging in BC: A collaborative plan to prevent and reduce homelessness,has invested over 2 billion dollars since 2022 outlining commitments to prioritized communities, based on provincial qualifying assessments of local government homeless encampment impacts, to address immediate supports and shelter needs in those selected local governments: Therefore be it resolved that the UBCM call on the provincial government to accelerate and expand its commitment beyond the qualifying limitations identified in Belonging in BC by including access for every community and expanding permanent, temporary shelters and associated program supports in all BC local governments.
Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs The Province recognizes that encampments and experiences of homelessness continue to increase, despite significant government investment. In the absence of accessible indoor options people may find shelter or community in encampments, but encampments are not a safe or suitable form of permanent housing for the people sheltering in them, or for the larger community. Encampments are best resolved and prevented by offering people a pathway out of homelessness. The Province is working across ministries, with all levels of government, Indigenous partners, and communities to support people sheltering in encampments to stay safe and connected to supports while options to move indoors are fast-tracked. The Province continues to implement the Homeless Encampment Action Response Team HEART and Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing HEARTH initiatives to provide rapid and coordinated frontline responses to homeless encampments and interim shelter options; and the development of an Encampment Resource Guide to support local partners to respond to encampments within a timely, dignified approach. Budget 2025 includes new and expanded commitments to support housing affordability for BC residents and communities, including 90 million more over three years to expand HEART and HEARTH to more communities. The Cooperation and Responsible Government Accord 2025 between the BC NDP and BC Green Party affirms governments commitment to expanding HEART and HEARTH.