Transcript: Committee of the Whole - 2026/07/16

We are in a complete compliment this morning, Councillor Thompson is joining us online. This morning at Committee of the Whole, we have our consideration an extensive update on our community safety and well - being plan. And that is the only item that we'll be considering at Committee today. But of course before we begin, we always like to take a moment to ground ourselves and to situate the work that we're going to do and consider and anticipate and an understanding and an expression of our gratitude to the two nations on whose territories our city sits in its entirety. Those of course are the LaConkan people of the Songhees Nation in the Kosapsum Nation. They continue to be generous and their willingness to work with us and to learn and teach with us as we mutually try to make the best decisions that we can and the interests of all of the people who live here in the City of Victoria. And we always want to take

an opportunity to thank them for their understanding and patients and the incredible stewardship that they have undertaken for so many generations to ensure that the lands that we live on and work on. And the waters that surround them continue to be places that we can all enjoy. And that enrich our lives. However, we choose to interact with them. I will just note an expression of shared condolence to this song Heath Nation for another death in their family. The details of that which will be forthcoming at their discretion. As we work together on so many things, we hope that we consider all that has gotten before us in the past that we look straight ahead at the challenges before us each day, and that we do so in making decisions and plans and policies. And we implement them in a way which we hope will benefit those who come after us, as well as those who are here now. Without, of course, we always like to

take a moment to express our gratitude in the language of the art. There are people, and that is of course the La QUENGEN language. And the simplest form, of course, with which most of us are familiar now is a simple phrase. Just look what is like WongGen is simply hydricasiane quillia, which is to say thank you, but also to add the respect for those people who are here in the room. But everyone who is in our community chooses at some point each day to do something that they know will make someone's life a little bit better. I trick us the evniqualie. I have no additional remarks to add today, and I'm not aware of any late items that need to be added to the agenda.

So I would look for a motion to approve the agenda. These councillor Coleman's seconded by Councillor Dell. Any discussion of the agenda. Not seeing any, all those in favor, anyone opposed. I will check occasionally with Councillor Thompson to ensure he can participate as he likes. That is unanimous. And so that will take us on to the consent agenda, which there are no items to propose today. And so we will lead right into our main item and only item of today's agenda, and that is an update. An update that we do every other month, but in this case, in addition to that as well, a bit of a reflection on the first year on our community safety and well - being plan. We've turned it over to our three lead stuff, who will introduce themselves at each other, and we'll begin as they are comfortable to do so. Mr. Rentucci. Good morning, Mayor and Council. I'm Peter Ranchci, the director of the Community Safety Wellbeing in

partnerships department, and with me today are two key members of our leadership team consisting of CERAWEB, the Assistant Director of Corporate Planning and Strategic Partnerships, and Carrie Jones, our assistant director of Community Safety and Bylaught Services. We're pleased to be here today to be reporting out on the first year anniversary to the Cities announcement of the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan. As council, we'll recall. Following the announcement, the Community Safety Wellbeing Partnership Department was formed through the realignment of the divisions in the late summer of 2025. Our newly formed department hit the ground running. In the early fall to begin laying the groundwork to support implementation of the plan. Since the early fall, it's been a time of heavy lifting. Forming up, forming up the new department, excuse me, an acting on council's directions, including the Priority Actions. During this time, we were also building a culture, community safety and well - being within the overall organisation, while also renewing, existing and establishing new and

collaborative working relationships with other levels of government and their public agencies, the non - profit sector, service providers, community organisations, and others whose work in knowledge is important to achieving our goals. This was also a time for us identifying investigating, developing, and applying new approaches and different tools to help support building a sound foundation from which we can continue to pursue our important work and continuously improving community safety and well - being now and into the future. I'll now turn the presentation over to assistant director web to highlight our major accomplishments. The challenges we're addressing, and some of the learning we acquired during that time.

And lastly, where we're going for the remainder of 2026. Is what? Thank you, Mr. Rentucci. How were you, Ms. Webb? Good morning, Mary and Council. The agenda for this presentation will start with a recap of the challenge and the City's response in establishing and approving the community safety well - being planned. We will share information around the first year of the plan implementation and identify several actions underway. Finally, we'll wrap up with topics related to progress management, tensions and observations, and what's next as we look ahead for the remainder part of 2026 and into 2027. For almost a decade, communities across British Columbia have been dealing with a housing shortage, a toxic drug crisis. Declining civility, growing mental health concerns, and arising cost of living.

These issues are deeply rooted and the result of complex social changes and massive underfunding of services over the year. Here in Victoria, these challenges negatively impact our quality of life for residents and businesses and impacts our reputation as one of the best small cities in the world. Addressing the challenges and the associated distress and frustration that comes with safety and well - being issues requires the city to reimagine the way we deliver service, and changing the way we do business. It focuses on collaborating with community partners and agencies, and getting commitments and action from regional partners and other orders of government to be able to address the needs of businesses, residents, visitors, and every member of our community. We can think of community safety and well - being as a large dinner table, where the whole community gathers to share a meal. The goal is simple. Everyone has a place, enough food, and the support they need to participate. In this analogy, the city brings

together the coordination housing policies, public spaces, and community planning. Health authorities bring mental health care, substance use treatment, primary care and outreach. Police, fire, and emergency responders focus on crisis response and emergency report. Nonprofit organisations helped us focus on outreach, food security, counseling, social connection, and housing solutions. Provincial and federal governments are at the table to bring funding policy, income supports, and housing programs. Business and community leaders provide employment opportunities, investments, and community stewardship, and are residents, both housed and unhoused, bring lived experience, placemaking, community engagement, and a commitment to be here. In this analogy, a healthy safety community is like a well - functioning dinner table. Everyone has a seat. People receive the support that they need before they reach a crisis. The kitchen has the resources it needs. And guests who are struggling receive extra help rather than being asked to manage alone.

Everybody who shares a responsibility for the meal, rather than expecting one person or organisation to solve the problem. And that's exactly what community safety and well - being is. A collective approach to changing the narrative, to demonstrating measurable change in how we perceive our community and experience our community every day. In 2023, council identified the importance of community safety and well - being through its strategic plan and an initiated process to develop a community safety well - being planned was developed. This work was guided by a community leaders panel, and had involved extensive consultation and data collection. The plan resulted in 99 recommendations to not only the City, but to the regional government, provincial governments and federal governments. The implementation was initiated, Mr. Ranchu Chief mentioned in July of 2025. Council directed the implementation of 11 priority actions and staff reviewed the 50 initial actions across the eight different sectors within the plan. Very much like that dinner table, City teams, community organisations, businesses and

public agencies were called upon to help us take action, to work towards progress on safety and well - being. The plan was intended to be a catalyst for action. Ocatalyst for investment, partnership, and advocacy. The recommendations were to guide city - staff efforts, but of course the city would also continue to seize and create new opportunities to address priorities. Evolution of the plan is expected, and it will continue to do so to meet changing community needs. And staffer in a process of implementing, learning, and adapting, not only through this first year, but in the months and years to come. Staff are working with partners to deliver diverse solutions touching on all eight sectors of the plan, and I'll share some of those outcomes and examples today. Our focus is on that continued emphasis on prevention, intervention, and response. And as always, we continue to find new ways to engage those with lived and living experience to help shape our efforts, recognising that everybody brings different

perspectives and In July of 2025, as Mr. Rantucci mentioned, we established a new community safety and well - being partnerships department. And prioritized 11 actions using existing city funds and leveraging contributions from other orders of government to increase community supports. Deliver housing, and sheltering solutions. Enhance cleaning and deliver streetscape improvements and support enforcement and response activities. And to initiate plan implementation. I'm going to take you through some of the accomplishments in the first year, first starting with the area of community supports. Over the past year, we launched our indigenous outreach and transportation program with peer - to - peer indigenous outreach society. And to date, have supported 17 individuals to reconnect with their family and culture and home communities. We partnered with the downtown Victoria Business Association to pilot the neighbour network, a comprehensive resource for businesses to know who to call based on the issue that they're facing. We partnered with the Victoria Youth Empowerment Society to expand their supported independent living program and

launched an associated youth transportation program. Now reaching at 25 at - resk youth since that program launched. We initiated an administrative support for the downtown service providers network and have sponsored the 2026 Project Reconnect event, which serves 400 at - risk individuals that will be taking place this summer, or September. We delivered the spark program for enhanced youth safety and well - being with 16 different community organisations, reaching more than 17, 000 children, youth and young adults. Through counseling, mentoring, employment readiness, access programs, and crime prevention initiatives. We launched the building bridges, employment readiness program for 20 women residing in transitional housing who've been impacted by trauma and violence in partnership with the bridges for women's society. And most recently, we've partnered with the disability alliance BC to expand the right fit program to Victoria.

An initiative that folk works with Victoria Housing Providers to assess accessible housing inventory and deliver pure - led support for the housing search, application, and move - in process for people who use a wheelchair. When it comes to housing and sheltering solutions, the city has stepped up into new places. We help to open the Johnson Manor Recovery Housing with 20 self - contained homes in partnership with Victoria Kool - Aid and BC Housing. We collaborated with BC Housing to expand capacity at the Rock Bay Landing Shelter with 3D additional shelter beds to create, to support people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We opened the Bridge Street Pathways site with 34 beds designated to help people transition from street and shelter into supportive housing in partnership with BC housing. We collaborated with the Salvation Army to launch the STEP program and add 13 new sober living shelter beds to their site. We continued with our housing relocation services using the support of Pacifica

housing to help announce 75 people living on the street or in parks to access housing and shelter. And most recently, we launched our community housing renewal grant program, a 1 million dollar capital grant program for nonprofit housing providers to renew existing building stock and improve quality of life by helping to bring more units back online faster. Of course, these are complemented by enhanced streetscape improvements and cleaning efforts. The city has expanded our urban clean team to support higher levels of service. Tackling early morning and late evening garbage removal street cleaning and graffiti abatement. We completed our annual maintenance and infrastructure repair program on Pandora Avenue in June and are planning for of the LA Street program later this summer. We restored the median at the intersection of Pandora and Vancouver. The first of a series of capital projects targeting streetscape investments over the next two years, designed to improve safety, accessibility and asset renewal on Pandora Avenue. And in partnership with the Victoria Conservatory of

Music, we're designing an outdoor new outdoor music plaza that will open this fall on Pandora. As a part of the enforcement and response efforts, the city is working collaboratively, not only with our own new community safety and by - loss services group, but with Victoria police. Through council's direction, we hired 12 new bylaw officers and expanded our feed on the street program. This provides a visible presence and to help support enforcement of bylaws related to sheltering activities, but also proactively engaging with business owners and the public to prevent and resolve local issues. We're facilitating the Victoria situation table. This is focused on proactively reducing risk and supporting people and their families by bringing together frontline workers from public safety, health, and social services to rapidly connect them with the services that they need before a crisis occurs. We're delivered security assessments for both businesses and property owners and executed community safety talks with a bride range of community organisations. The city has opened two new

community safety field hubs to support response and enforcement coordination. And we've established dedicated liaisons for both a Victoria police and city teams. Finally, we've increased funding to Victoria Police to hire nine additional police officers to support enforcement and deliver an additional foot and bike patrol in the community through the C - step program. Of course, these are all accomplishments that relate to the 11 actions that counsel directed us to implement. But the community leaders panel had also identified a first 50 recommendations that were an opportunity for the city to step up and help move. Whether it be within the areas of housing, health care, service delivery, our downtown core, residents, commerce, policing injustice, and the way that we do business. I'm pleased to advise that 38 of these actions are underway or operationalized with another 12 actions and recommendations being explored. I will now take you through some of the examples of highlights of how that these actions are underway and contribute to plan implementation.

First, the city is continuing to improve and simplify city housing policies to make building of all types of housing easier. This is included with our permit fee holiday. Our development process modernization and our continued collaboration with BC housing to advance affordable housing projects. We're contributing to the rent bank program to support low - income households with interest - free loans, uh, and grants through this community social planning council. The City is undertaking targeted education and outreach with renters and providing anti - hoarding supports through our fire department efforts and collaboration with Ireland to health. We're serving as a convener to bring service providers together when something's needed in a short - term basis or as a part of an ongoing relationship, like those with ILN health. We're supporting the delivery of substance use and addiction workshops and promoting citywide events on City vibe, our online calendar running year - round to help draw people to the city and share the exciting opportunities to help build

community placemaking and well - being through activities, events, and festivals. Our staff has continued to a conduct equity, diversity, and inclusivity reviews of our different city programs and grants. And we're delivering downtown public realm enhancements and amenities, including a new mural that's going to be installed underneath the Johnson Street Bridge. The replacement of Douglas Street information kiosks and an update to our commercial ALLIRT panels. We've integrated community safety and well - being impact statements into Committee of the Whole Reports. And several initiatives are underway to encourage people to spend more time downtown, particularly in the evening. Through our downtown program, our patio bylaw program, and more. When it comes to late night, we're investing in support teams to prioritize safety and well - being of individuals who are out enjoying late night events or at downtown nightclubs and businesses. Through partnerships with destination greater Victor Victoria and good night out, Victoria. We're supporting community - led events and placemaking. They could through our expanded migrate

neighbourhood grant program and were investing in active transportation and public transit. As directed to improve safety when it comes to mobility on the road. And finally, we're continuing to revamp City Business Licenseing Process to address redundancies and prove the experience of people seeking or applying for business licensing permits. As we continue on, the city is updating internal databases about sites and services that are focused on health, safety, and social services so that our team can best connect and support those in need. We're supporting the restorative justice programs in Victoria and expanding urban forest canopy across all of our neighbourhoods. The city is contributing to multisectoral planning and response tables for decision - makers, including regional efforts like the Regional Housing Affordability Strategy to ensure that as a region, we're responding to homelessness, focusing in on actions that can be taken at a scale that help amplify the city's efforts. We're working with partners to develop and support public - facing asset maps, and we're delivering

emergency - preparedness workshops to the community. Now these items might seem like a long list of a whole bunch of different things. The common thread, though, of course, is to address those eight sectors that were identified in the community safety well - being planned that align with the recommendations that we heard. Recommendations that we heard from business, First Nations leaders, service providers, law enforcement agencies, and our health partners. Now with these efforts and along with continued investments in community supports, housing and sheltering solutions, cleaning and streetscape restoration, and enforcement and response, staff have turned our mind to considering progress measurement and reporting. We recognise. Thank you. Uh, we recognise that monitoring long - term community conditions and system - wide changes over time is critical. At the same time, the city is careful to consider the role of us as a municipality versus other partners in measuring programs. Our budget availability, data collection frequency, and ensuring that the blend of objective and subjective measures.

As we've investigated and learned and done some research across Canada in cities large and small, they're emerging best practices in areas of progress management around safety and well - being. These are some of the most common topics or areas that, um, communities are providing measurement on. Safety and harm reduction, housing stability and homelessness. Supports for vulnerable populations. Population level health and well - being. Access to public space, mobility options, and the built environment. Economic stability and affordability. And belonging inclusion and welcoming community. Ideally, the City owened its partners work on a roster of meaningful outputs along with population level outcomes focused indicators. So when it comes to the city role in progress management, we will be continuing to track select indicators and outpost - based measures using examples like our reported quality of life and sense of safety coming from our household survey or the Victoria Police Annual Community Survey. But drawing on other examples and resources. We can track annual calls for service and

rely on third - party data in reports, evaluations and surveys through organisations like statistics Canada, ICBC, the province of BC, and the Regional Government. There are many ways in which we can report out on different elements of both safety and well - being, and will continue to wrap these up as we look to work with our partners. And when we think about our partners and their role in progress management, we know that there is ongoing work for them to measure and track other broader indicators, like emergency and medical system use. Criminal justice system involvement. Housing retention and stability. Clinical and health outcomes. Shelter availability in real time. Substance use tracking and more. Measuring progress is complex, just like the very challenge of safety and well - being for the city. There are several tension points and observations that we can make over this first year, um, from our experience implementing the plan. First and foremost, each person in our community does have varying perspectives on

safety and well - being. The role of community safety and bylaw services staff is continuing to evolve to meet community needs and support first responders and our health partners. The growing severity of substance use in health needs can impact individuals'behaviors and their ability to access or stay in shelter or housing. We're seeing fewer encampment sites across the municipality, but we know that this is still a major challenge for our members of our community. The role, pace and response of our regional partners and other orders of government is slower than desired. And additional resources that council is allocated, whether it be in our public works team, our community safety team, or within the programs that we have have allowed for a higher level of engagement with residents, businesses and tourists across the municipality. We know there's a strong willingness from partners to pilot creative solutions and address barriers. As we look to head, the City will be launching several continued initiatives as a part of our

2026 work plan, including new projects such as the business, facade improvement grants with the downtown Victoria business association. The community cleanup pilot program. The positive transfer program that council directed earlier this year as a part of the financial planning process and a welcoming nights program. And more to come with our continued evolution and delivery as we look ahead to the 2027 financial planning period. The community safety and well - being planned was designed to turn issues into action. And the first year has been about building that foundation, delivering on commitment. Staff recognised that there are no instant solutions, and there is more work ahead, but we've built important momentum and accomplished many things not only to deliver on the eleven actions that council had identified, but to help support the recommendations included in the plan across diverse areas. We're working with partners at all level to create the conditions for increased and lasting improvements. The City will continue to pivot, shift, adapt, listen, reflect, and

act. As we move towards achieving the desired outcomes of the community safety well - being planned. And as always, we reflect upon all of the people who contribute to safety and well - being within our organisation, whether they be their parks and public works employees, our bylaw officers. Our teams working in housing, engagement, or community partnerships. We are all contributing as we bring on this new challenge and integrate it into our services each and every day. That concludes the presentation that we have in staff are welcome to available to answer any questions you might have. Thank you. Thank you very much. Very comprehensive, and I will, um, applaud you to start for your tact in referencing the action speed of our partners. So perfectly, other orbiters have covered. There are no recommendations associated with this.

This is of course an ongoing program that has been mentioned is now integrating into every department. So today we are here to be updated and also to ask any questions of staff who are here. So we will proceed with questions. Comments are fine as well. Again, not a recommendation in which we have to vote, but questions and comments for clarification perfectly welcome. Councillor Thompson. Uh, thanks Mayor. Um, Councillor. I just adjust your volume before you start talking. Hold on a sec. Is there a way for us to boost his volume? Try it again, Councillor Thompson. How's that now? Much better. Thank you very much. Go ahead. Okay. Okay, great. Thanks very much. Uh, thanks very much to staff for this report. And of course for all the work that you're doing. Appreciate, uh, in this presentation, um, the various crises that were outlined on slide number three, uh, which appear in cities across North America.

And also appreciate, um, uh, the outcome - based reporting, uh, that you outlined and slides 20 to 22. A number of members of the public have been asking for this. Um, I did want to ask some specific questions about that knowing that you couldn't have possibly gone into all those outcomes during the presentation. Um, if I can just, can we just get a sense of numbers of people on the street and trends? So I'm, I'm interested in Pandora and elsewhere. Um, uh, the housed folks that are on the street on Pandora and the unhoused folks that are on the street, because we know that, that some of those folks are actually housed. And I understand, um, uh, people were not finding that people, well, I'll ask the question, did we find that, uh, anyone has come in from Vancouver because of being displaced by FIFA?

Or are people falling into homelessness and street life locally. Thanks, Councillor. Which of our able staff would like to take a croc of that? Ms. Jones, over to you. Thank you for the question. Councillor and through you mayor to address the first question on numbers at any given time in the city, uh, there are about anywhere between 180 to 210 people that we believe to be unsheltered. In the Pandora corridor specifically. There's about 100 people, uh, within the corridor and surrounding areas. In addition to that, uh, for those coming to seek services, uh, that number can increase during the day to about another 52, 100 people. Uh, as far as the question related to Vancouver and FIFA, um, we have certainly heard that rumour. We have not been able to source that to be fact.

There may be a few people that are here from the, from the lower mainland, um, but certainly not in any numbers that we would attribute to FIFA. Most of the folks that are sheltering downtown, our local folks, um, little bit of movement. It is a transient group that may move from different place to different place. Um, but for the most part, we are seeing our local community here that are experiencing homelessness. Very much. Go ahead, Councillor. Thank you. Thank you. Uh, wanted to ask questions about the, uh, evolution of the drug supply, the illicit drug supply, uh, a year ago. I've mentioned this before, but about a year ago I spoke with, uh, frontline service providers who had said that the severity of the drugs and the severity, the impact of the drugs on people's health and wellbeing had increased dramatically over the last five years. That was about a year ago before metatomedine was being discussed. I'm wondering if you can describe how the

drug supply has changed since that time. Thank you. Who's going to take that one? Ms. Jones. Thank you. And through you mayor, um, yes, the, the drug supply is always changing. Um, and is a real barrier for us and island health as we continue to try and navigate these, these changes together as a community. Um, metatomidine, uh, over the last, I would say eight months, um, since it's come into our local drug supply has created significant challenges. And these challenges really relate to, um, metatomitine is an animal tranquilizer, uh, and as such, this is why we're seeing people that are in, um, really low levels of consciousness for extended periods of time. Um, metatomed is a bit unique in that, uh, withdrawal, uh, from intoxication to withdrawal is both, uh, very serious and is a, a shorter lived than in our previous drug supplies that really focused on fentanyl in the opiates. Metatomadine and some of the other, um, drugs that are in the supply

that include, uh, benzodiazepines, et cetera. There is no antidote to it. So, um, they are all mixed together now is generally what the qualitative analysis is finding. And as a result, naloxone is only responsive to the opiate, uh, and so the change and the shift here is that we used to try and use when it was predominantly an opiate supply, uh, we would use and the health providers would use naloxone to bring people back to consciousness. Um, that is no longer the case. The medical teams and we do work with island health on a regular basis to stay informed are really just bringing people back to just, uh, being responsive to get their blood pressure and their pulses back up, uh, to a level that is safe until the drugs wear off, which is an extended period of time. Thank you, councillor. And what types of impacts are we seeing on people's apart from in the moment which you just described, what kind of impacts

are we seeing on people's physical and mental wellbeing. Longer term. Does Jones. Thanks for you Mayor. I mean, the, uh, the impacts are significant. As Ms. Web alluded to in her presentation, um, this is certainly a factor for why we are seeing people either not able to get to or remain in shelter and housing their health needs. I'm not a physician, but just from our training and work with Ilenthealth, it is very tricky to try and get people stabilized even enough just to access some of the services that they need. That would be food, health care, uh, pharmaceuticals, the list goes on. Councillor. Thanks very much for that. Um. Sorry, that's a little heavy. Uh, okay. I just want to move on to another topic. On waste and sanitation. I get asked a lot of questions about this being the downtown liaison. I'm wondering the city has installed a number of, um, waste receptacles on the 900 block. But I think they've gone further than that too. Uh, in response to, uh, requests

from service providers, uh, and outreach workers, uh, what changes have been made, uh, in Pandora and elsewhere. His web, is that something you can answer? Uh, through the mayor, maybe start. And if director Doyle has anything further to add, um, please do so. Um, yes, as, as, as you mentioned, councillor, there is a notable impact in terms of streetscape waste. And the city has over this last year installed 14 additional waist receptacles throughout the Pandora corridor and in the general area. These bins are serviced twice daily and are routinely full. Um, collectively, they provide about, um, six cubic yards of waste capacity per collection cycle.

So it is a significant amount. Um, the 14 bins that we have placed, it continued to remain in good conditions and they have experienced little to no vandalism. They've helped us increase our disposal capacity in the area. But we do recognise is that there are some significant gaps and needs with regards to, uh, litter services, um, it's almost like there's a major community event held every single day and it requires that continued effort on community litter pickup as well as response. So the city is, um, looking to, uh, deliver a new pilot program, uh, involving community members, building off of the work that we did previously through our place to be able to help support our regular collection and disposal cycles. Um, in places that need that targeted attention. What we do recognise is that sometimes those, um, physical, uh, impacts of, of giving food out, uh, the short term visitors that come in and through the corridor do require that additional attention. So our

public works team is, is stepping up to look at not only those regular services and cycles that we're doing through our, our urban clean team, uh, but also, um, looking to advance a new pilot where we can bring together more efforts to address litter and streetscape debris, um, in the Pandora corridor specifically. Thank you, Director Doyle. Do you have anything you'd like to add. Uh, thank you, Mayor Ulto. Very little other than just to say we were also engaging exploring how we can better engage with the service providers on prevention of some of the waste that we're seeing on the street. There are unique factors of health and sanitation that make reuse of reusable dishware, sometimes more challenging and not always having the space on site to serve the people so that the, the, the customers there are not subject to the, uh, the single yeast item spy laws. It's generally carry out. We do see some of those materials out on the street. So

we're putting our thinking hats back on and how we can, we did engage with, with these service providers during the single use item bylaw development and thinking how else we might be able to help prevent some of the litter from getting out on the street. Thank you very much for that. Councillor Thompson. Um, I guess a couple of questions. First off, do we have the timing for that pilot for the sort of trash pickup. But then there's also, I hear lots of, um, uh, input about larger items. And I'm wondering if those can be managed with some sort of partnerships with, um, uh, property owners on the street who have larger commercial bins that might be available for, for that kind of disposal. Is a web. Again through the mayor would be, um, please just start and direct your doyle wants to add anything further.

Um, we are anticipated to roll out that pilot later this fall. So we will, it will be a 2026 initiative. Uh, I do know that the larger items, um, and debris, whether it be people well - beating and intention people who, you know, maybe put out a couch on the side of the road, um, we work closely with the capital regional district to help prevent kind of the, uh, abandoned waste or abandoned reuse. Well, we always encourage people to reuse and recycle the reality as the public right of way is not a place to be able to dispose of personal goods. Um, when it comes to those larger commercial bins, that is an area that we would like to spend more time on to ensure that business owners and property owners, stratas, and even, um, other private landlords are having secure, uh, bins as well as them being unlocked areas so that, uh, they're not continued to be opened and garbage bags that are in

there securely and then taken out and, and opened up. So I would say that those larger commercial bins are an area for continued efforts by the city, uh, but we are looking at rolling out that community led, um, led pilot, uh, this fall. Just a second. Anything to add, no, thank you, Meroraldon. Very good. Sorry. Go ahead, Councillor Thompson. Sorry about that. Yeah. Thanks. Um, are those bins possibly an opportunity to like if, for instance, our place had a bin and some of the large, like we could enter into an arrangement with our place to accept some of the larger items that end up on the street. Is that, is that possible. Is web? I think that will be a part of our investigations and appreciate the suggestion to look at how we might be able to utilise some of the sites within targeted or designated areas. So thank you for the suggestion. We could look into it. Councillor Thompson. Okay. Just, uh, want to

switch over to, um, housing and sheltering. Thanks for the numbers of, um, recent additions that we've supported, uh, in various places and ways, uh, for sheltering and supportive housing. I'm wondering, uh, we now have, I think, uh, about a thousand supportive housing units in Victoria and about 400 shelter beds very roughly. I think we've got 80 to 90 percent of all of those within this region. I'm wondering. As we create more of those spaces, are we getting ahead of the game or is the flow of people into homelessness beating us, uh, in terms of numbers. Just they're conferring councillor just to determine who's best able to answer that question.

Through the mayor. Thank you. Um, you know, I think that there are a couple of components to your answer. Um, to my answer for you, Councillor Thompson. First, there is continued need for all types of housing in our community. Director Johnson can continue to add anything, but we do know that we have a housing need that expands affordable housing, family housing, deep subsidy housing, shelter and support of housing. Um, so at this point, I would say that it is safe from staff's perspective to identify the significant, more housing supply needed in our region. And not only here in Victoria, but in other municipalities, when we look at support of housing and shelter sites, um, there is a more demand than we have spaces for simply put. Yeah. Thanks for that. Any, any idea whether at the, you know, the certain rate that, that supportive housing and shelters have been constructed over the last five to 10 years. And a certain rate at which, uh, I

guess people are falling into homelessness from various sources. Any, any feelings on whether we're going to get down to functional zero or if we're just trying to tread water at the current levels or if it's going to get worse. Mr. and Tucci. Through the mayor. Homelessness is a regional problem. Um, and it's going to need a regional solution. Victoria will not be able to meet the demand on its own. Um, I know that's not answering you in terms of the different rates. But, um, you know, there are efforts under way to try and, um, have a more regional response. And I think until that happens, um, you know, we will always be in a position where the demand is more than the supply. We are working in Victorian ways to try and, um, maximize the supply that we have or the process. And that's, uh, including ways to create more positive flow that we referenced, uh, which was one of the motions from council. I

think that's imperative here in Victoria that we have a way that people are moving through the system as opposed to being, uh, stuck in any part of it. Councillor. Thanks, Mary. You've been very kind in letting me speak a fair bit here. I'll, I'll turn over the floor and may have more questions later. Thanks. Ruger, thank you. Councillor Lotner. Good morning. Thanks. And through you Mayor. Just to start with, can we get a copy of this slide deck? Okay. Um, I have quite a few questions here. So I'll try to move quickly, but the, the nine additional officers for the CESTEP program, how does that differ from the crime reduction unit or the foot patrol team or is it, is it somehow coupled with that?

And that's provincial funding that we matched, correct? For the CESTEP program. Uh, through the mayor, I'll start and then invite any colleagues to provide any further comments. Uh, yes, I combined those two pieces of information, but you are correct. The C - step program was a provincial funding initiative, which the City provided in a matching funds for, which supported short - term targeted foot and bicycle patrol within the downtown core, as well as areas and shopping districts, malls, that kind of thing. So that program continues and is wrapping up in 2026. The province, uh, added some additional funding and the City also contributed. The nine additional officers for Victoria Police is not related to CESTEP.

That supports the broader, um, efforts on enforcement, both through crime prevention as well as enforcement in response. So maybe I'll turn it over to any other colleagues, but they are separate. It's separate from the foot patrol team and the crime reduction unit. C - step, yes, is separate from the crime reduction unit, but they are out in foot patrol, if that makes sense. They, they use a variety of tactics on that short term initiative. Are they working? Yeah. It might just help councillor, because there is a lot to unpack here. Uh, the nine additional police officers that council endorsed as part of this program. They are part of a broader policing cohort that is based on foot patrols. The crime reduction unit, which involves eight additional and different officers, uh, this council also approved in its budget. That unit is just now being set up.

And I understand that it will be operational in the fall. Uh, and that is exactly how it is described that chrome reduction unit. It will look at prevention and intervention less on the street foot patrol more in looking at the larger issues around trying to prevent crime and intervene and crime on a larger scale. And then the CESTEP program, as Ms. Webb described, was different again, uh, in that it was a very specific program dealing with different types of interventions and foot operations, which has been extended. And will I understand wrap up at the end of 2026? So components all working together, but quite separate.

Okay. So there's. Three teams sort of essentially. So this is nine officers outside of the foot patrol outside of the crime reduction unit. But the crime reduction unit is not operationally at, is that correct? No, it'll be stood up in the fall stood up in the fall. Okay. Perfect. Thank you for that. Um, I'm curious about the work with restorative justice Victoria. Can you just let me know what that actually looks like. Is what through the mayor. Yes, thank you for the question. In fact, we have our, our, um, our halfway midpoint meeting with them later on this month in July. Um, so through council's funding that they provide is direct award grants several organisations receive funding. And that includes restorative justice Victoria. So restorative justice and perhaps I'll share the microphone with my, my colleague here, Ms. Jones works comprehensively across the Capitol region, but within Victoria to look at ways in which they can help support, um, individuals in need who are moving

at different stages through the justice program, just a system. And the city is one of many municipalities who really step up to help bridge a gap. And so perhaps maybe I'll turn it over to Miss Jones around, um, the type of work restorative justice does. Um, and some of the outcomes will be reported back next year as we complete, um, the service delivery in 2026. Um, it is an annual funding amount that this council has provided for the last several years. Thanks for you mayor. Yes, really, uh, the restorative justice program is a great program geared for those where they would potentially have been in the criminal justice system. But when they go into the criminal justice system, often the drivers of the behaviour were never really addressed. Um, and so the benefit of the restorative justice program is for those, it's, it's almost like an early intervention for some people where they take a look at, you know, what, what's the driver of the

behaviour, whether it's, um, they're even doing it, my understanding in some domestic violence cases now. So why is the offender, um, abusive. And when you start taking a comprehensive look at that, um, early interventions such as, um, treatment, um, understanding the impacts of, uh, their offences or their, their crimes or their, whatever the case may be. Um, is in the real benefits of it are recidivism rates are lower, um, when they go through a sort of justice. Thank you for that. That's welcome. Um, go ahead. I thought they were going to say something. Thank you so much for that. That's, that's very important work. Um, so you talked about the actions that are in progress.

And I, I don't expect you to answer this right now, but I am curious as to what those are. But you said there was, I think 50 of them. I mean, that's too much to get into right now, but I am just curious what those are, but I'm also curious about what priorities from the other levels of government are in action right now. And maybe we'll start there. Are there any priorities from other levels of government in action right now? Ms. Webb. Or Mr. I'm teaching. Or miss Jones. Through the mayor, I'll start. Um, I think that, uh, one of the components from the recommendations in the plan was being able to first and foremost bring forward those recommendations to those senior orders of government.

So we have shared the plan and recommendations with the capital regional district with multiple, um, uh, ministries within the provincial government. That includes, um, the safety, um, uh, ministry housing and health as well as through federal, um, government through crime through public safety Canada. Um, I think that there are several areas in which we've had successful advocacy, uh, where the city has moved forward or helped to participate in major initiatives. So for example, through the community safety wellbeing plan, there is a recognition, um, and feedback from the community around, um, men's health, men's mental health young men who are feeling isolated, who are feeling not connected with community. Um, through the work that we've been doing to participate and advocate, uh, increased interventions on POACTIVE, um, health supports and mental health supports, substance use, um, and recovery services. We've contributed and participated in the federal men's health strategy, for example. So we're continuing to look at different ways at the staff level that we can

kind of bring the lessons learned and recommendations from the broader community safety wellbeing plan into the portfolios at a provincial or federal or an example regional scale. Whatever there may be as an opportunity for us to provide those ways and connections to the protective factors. We want to increase and see more of or reducing those risk factors that we're seeing at that local level. I don't know, Mr. Antucci, one second. Through the mirror. A lot of our work is, uh, both in terms of ministry of health trying to move them more into the investment. And BC housing more into investments around that early intervention of detox and recovery housing. I think that's going to always be an important ingredient in the ability to move people through a system. And, uh, it's lacking right now. And I think many of the council know that. So that continues to be a place that we push on also at a senior staffing level, uh, we're working with other

municipalities with the, uh, solicitor general's office looking at different initiatives to try to deal with repeat offenders. Um, different ways to increase the security in cities. So when you ask that question, you know, what comes to mind is the lot of things. And I think that's what this plan is about. It's about touching on, uh, kind of all of the wicked problems out there. And so we're following suit. We're looking at it both from a health perspective, a kernel perspective, um, and that's what it's going to take to really move the needle. Okay. Again, this might not be the place to do this, but I would be very curious as to what the priorities from other levels of government are so that we can advocate as well. Are you prepared to answer what that might be? Or is that something that a question I should root through the city manager and you could, you know, take some time to think about that and get back

to me. Through the mayor, um, I think that would be best because we have an opportunity to draw pond the recommendations that came from the community leaders panel. But I think we would also want to take a look at what is the current landscape and be able to provide you with some specific suggestions on, on priority areas for advocacy, uh, and continued partnership, um, I think that we have some immediate ideas. And I know that the plan refers to some very specific initiatives, um, but it really depends on ministry portfolio and both at the provincial and federal level, but please do report back. Okay. So I'll, I'll do. I would just add that, uh, we're in a constant conversation with multiple ministries on opportunities to advance much of this plan and a variety of different issues that are associated with or complement this plan. And so, um, that is something, as you know, we do report on early routinely. And so I'll certainly make an

effort to bring some additional information back as well. Okay. Thank you for that, Mayor. Um, this was touched on a little bit, but I'm curious about numbers of the people sheltering in parks in downtown. I know we have the global numbers, but my question is, do we have any data or KPIs that can show us the changes in the parks are downtown say this term or, you know, even in the last year, this term would be better. But I'm curious how we can, if there is a way to indicate the needs of people on this list to how to serve them maybe a little bit more expeditiously, if possible, like, for example, there's a difference between someone who's experiencing homelessness just over financial reasons versus someone who is in active and acute substances disorder. We'd like to try that. Stranducci, you're going to start. Through the mail. I'll answer part of that. Um, you know, through our work, um, increased response capacity, um, and, and

outreach, um, our housing relocator. We are seeing reductions in the shelters in parks, for example year to year, enough to 65 percent down. So there's, and I think we're, we're kind of experiencing that now where, you know, we've always seen a bit of a summer uptick. And with that comes, uh, complaints from people that have not had structures in their park for, for a long time. So it, what might have been the norm before certainly isn't now. Um, so I think there is in terms of, um, our statement that we are reducing the structures in parks. Let's go ahead, Ms. Jones. Thanks to you, Mayor, and appreciate the question councillor on the needs of the people as that is a very large focus, uh, of this work and through the relocation coordinator. It's, it's always helpful to have, um, that quantitative information about numbers that does not tell us anything about the needs. Um, to get the more in - depth, qualitative, uh, data and information takes longer. Um, and requires relationship building, often

with those, uh, of highest acuity and those that are really, really unwell. Uh, that is the focus of the relocation coordinator work right now is to do exactly what you just said. So they are going out and, uh, spending time with people building relationships, which again, as I said, it does take time. But this work is very important for us to understand the needs of the people that are out there. Um, the relocation coordinator has house 75 people to date, uh, and their success rates of being able to keep them, uh, in housing, uh, is incredibly successful. Uh, and they do that because they know, they understand and they know the needs and they know where to place people to make them successful. Finally, I'll just maybe add a third component to the response around the important work that we're doing in partnership with other organisations around proactive prevention. And that might be through partnerships like through the rent bank or our work with the

Victoria situation table. Um, you know, the best way to, uh, address homelessness is to prevent homelessness right from the very get go. And I think that's the continue to emphasis that the city is trying to make, um, and again, stepping up into new areas that we haven't in historically had a roll in. What are we doing to prevent people from getting into homelessness? How are we targeting that, um, those behaviours early on working with schools, working with island health, working with nonprofit housing providers to look at ways in which we can support people. So when they're on that edge of precarity, they're not falling into homelessness. So I think that that's a part of that, um, triage of work that we're continuing to do. And, um, and we'll, we'll spend, um, spend time. We'll spend effort and spend resources because we know it is more cost effective to prevent people from being homeless in the first place. Bingo. That's music to my ears. Thank you

for the information on prevention. Also do you have a percentage of how many, some of those 75 people who have been housed, how many have maintained their housing? Is it possible to get the actual data on that. Ms. Jones. Yes. Uh, through you, Mayor, I'm happy to do that and follow up. Okay. Thank you so much. Metatomadine, what is being done to mitigate the challenges with this. And I know this is a tough question, but what do you think could be done? Again, this is to inform advocacy. For us at this table. I would note, of course, that this is. Staff have said repeatedly that they are not letting convention get in the way of taking action. But there are certain areas of this work, of course, which are far beyond the capacity authority. And frankly, responsibility of civic staff and leaders. That being said, you're asking for opinion, if anyone would like to venture an opinion, they're welcome to do so, but we're not

going to tie you to that. Sure. And we can skip this question if it's too, if it's too difficult. It's just. Through you, Mayor. I mean, it is a challenging question. But what I can say councillor is, um, in our conversations with Ireland Health, um, in their addictions team, um, I know that this is really challenging for them. Um, they are, there are lessons learned from places, cities in the U. S. Pennsylvania being one of them, um, and the couple of more where they are engaged with those regions to try and get a handle on their own response. Um, I, according to them, um, you know, this is, they are learning as they go just as we are. Yeah. Okay. Thank you for that. Um, just a couple more. The positive transfer slash flow program.

It's coming in the fall. I'm just wondering what the state of that is currently and also how the rent supplements are going to be really critical to this. So is there advocacy needed on trying to ask other governments to help support with the rent supplement component. To make this effective. Ms. What Through the mayor, I'll start with your second question first. Is there a need for advocacy on rent supplements? Absolutely. Uh, we have seen, uh, changes to the rent supplement program and restrictions on adding new candidates. And that is an area of absolute focus when it comes to provincial government, uh, or even federal government around rent supplements, uh, and that would be included on our priorities of lists that we share back with you.

Um, uh, when it comes to the, uh, positive transfer program, uh, that will be out to procurement probably next week. And we will be inviting proposals from community organisations. Um, to work with and, uh, evaluate not only designing a positive transfer program delivering it and then evaluating it. So we'll be pleased to report out on the, um, on the outcomes of that procurement process. Great. Thanks very much. And my very last question is just about the urban canopy across all neighbourhoods. Is there a way to let us know the state of that? Like how it's like measurables on that and to update us with that.

And I just, I ask, um, the state of the wildfires has just got me quite concerned. Perhaps I'll start through the mayor. And if director Newman wants to add anything further, um, first and foremost, I think that the cities continued efforts on tree planting, um, in boulevards, uh, in parks and in natural areas does continue in each year as a part of our financial plan. Funding is put towards new trees and tree succession planning. We are currently, um, uh, working on and have submitted a grant application, um, due to the federation of Canadian municipalities to support some of our tree canopy modelling, uh, work and continue to provide, um, updates through our official community plan in terms of what is our canopy cover and how are we working towards that 40 percent canopy target that was included in the official community plan. So stay tuned on that. Thank you. Dr. Newman. Anything you'd like to add. Yes. Thank you. And through you mayor. The city

does provide detailed information on our measurement of tree canopy growth. The last measurement was done in 2023, which uses LIDAR technology through flyovers of the city. Uh, it is showing strong growth in our tree canopy year over year, despite, um, development and infill of our urbanization across the city. So if there is residents that are interested in that information, it is publicly available. Thank you for that. Great. Thanks. That's it for me. Thank you, Mayor. Councillor Gardner. Oh, thank you. I didn't expect to be honest so soon. Um, thank you very much for the presentation. You got a real challenge ahead of you. Um, first one asked a couple of questions related to the answers you've already given and other students made by councillors. So I'm not too sure what the real data is. So am I correct? The number on the streets is 180 to 210 people. In other words, about 200 correct. Ms.

Jones. Yes, that's correct. Yeah. And about a thousand people in support of housing. So Retucci, you mentioned that you were alluding to about a thousand units of supportive housing. Actually, another council did, Mayor. Mr. Rodentoochi did say that. Through the mayor while we're happy to share the support of housing units. I do want to caution it's not a thousand people. There may be more, um, you know, couples, for example, that kind of thing. So, uh, allow us to get the information on the support of housing units and shelter. And of course, as we've discussed in the past, supportive housing may be in multiple different types of supportive housing. But yes, we, I don't want to make an equation to individuals. Yes. No, no, I get that. Sorry. Yes. In past meetings, a thousand was identified as a thousand beds or places. So I didn't mean people, I apologise. And it's now, and someone else said that the hundred shelter beds within the city. Is that

right? Through the merits, uh, I should know the number. It's approximately 440. We can, we can double check. 440. 440. Okay. So my question is this. That as up to about 1600. Or 1. 6 percent of our population does any other city that you know of have such a high proportion of, uh, people either living rough or in addiction or in the kind of, uh, need, uh, being housed in the city Victoria. In other words, about 1. 6 percent of the population thereabouts. Do we know that number. Is what. Uh, through the mayor, I would be happy to do some follow - up research on around approximate percentages. I couldn't take that off the top of my head. I will say that we are, uh, not alone in this challenge. Uh, cities large and small across British Columbia here on Vancouver Island and across Canada are dealing with increased popular homelessness and unhoused populations. Um, we can do a kind of a general comparison from

some of the mid - sized cities, if you'd like and report back in terms of a percentage of population. Thank you. Cause my, my question comes from statements by, uh, Chief Wilson that she made to us sometimes, some time ago when she first presented to us. And, um, well, Councillor Lowell, not supposed to use a name, but anyway, also mentioned something about kind of seen PAST data and, and that the trend. And I'm very impressed by the data collection you are now doing, but of course for the City Victoria, you will have more data going backwards. And I would certainly like to see about a seven year graph or chart of the numbers street number of supporting housing units, et cetera. And if we could have that going forward, I'd sure appreciate about a seven year graphic. Would that be possible. I suspect that as, uh, staff continued to update us in a bi - monthly basis that they'll continue to provide us with additional

data. And that all of that data that you're describing, I think is helpful for future councils to determine how much more investment there are going to be making in this. Thank you, Mayor, but that isn't my question. My question is really going back seven years rather than, you know, your current data collection is going to be huge. I get that. Ms. Webb Through the mayor, yes. We can absolutely with regards to approximately five to seven years shelters, beds, supportive housing beds. Um, I will say that, uh, data collection, of course, this renewed effort of focused on understanding this particular transient population, uh, unhoused population precariously, how his population. We would rely on the point in time counts that were done through, through the CRD each year. And then moving from 25 on onwards, 2025 onwards.

Absolutely. That's, that's a part of our program. So perhaps maybe what we can do is look to bring back a chart or an overview table to be able to share that information on, uh, on a few of those factors over the last probably five to seven years? Yes. Okay. Exactly. Thank you very much for that. I think it'd be very useful for our population to see that. Now my next question got force subparts. And it's, it has to do with what we're hearing. We don't know if it's true because we don't have the numbers. And that is the shifting of people from Pandora going elsewhere.

So I've met with residents and business owners from Yates and Johnson. How many people shelter on Yates and Johnson and how many settle there during the daytime? Do we have those numbers as well or miss Jones. Or Ms. Ray teacher? Through the mayor, we wouldn't have that breakdown at this time. Okay. Thank you. I just know because the complaints we get, uh, and same with the upper hardboard area and into the gorge area, do we have any numbers on that or do you have a breakdown or can one be created later. Even though it moves. Around two cheek. I would say we wouldn't have those numbers available for this meet. Okay. That's, thank you. Uh, residents whose apartments are on Millie's lane have written about encampments, especially at night and open drug use. And do we know how many people habitate just that laneway. And I would assume it's as illegal to actually overnight there.

Is that correct? And is there a strategy to maybe open up Millie's lane again. As Jones, I know that I forwarded various messages to you for response and inquiry. You have a comment that you can share at this time. Through you, Mayor. Again, having specifics right now is a challenge. Um, I can tell you that, uh, we do liaise with CPD on a regular basis about all of our areas of concentration and concern. Millie's Lane is one that gets a significant amount of police and bylaw attention. Um, the teams are there on a regular basis in conversation, uh, with my counterpart at VPD yesterday. I know that their foot patrol team is there four or five times in any given shift. And I would say our bylaw officers are there at least, uh, that many. The challenge that we face with areas of concentration like this are just, you know, when, when we leave, people return. And so, uh, Terry Healy, our manager, uh, of community education, uh, did

some work at Mille's Lane with the DVBA last year. Um, we are convening, uh, another project team to determine how as a community, we are going to address some of the issues there. Thank you very much. Um, my last question in this line is in Vic West, especially the song he's area along Citka and Sigalle, which I'll never learn how to pronounce, right. And near the dog park area and other. But over a week ago, a city vehicle delivered several people there with sheltering gear, etc. And they stayed for a few days. But how did this happen? Meaning who chose the park to take them to and how was this accomplished. Ms. Webb. Through, you, Mayor, yes. Uh, I am familiar with this particular situation.

Um, so this story of this situation is that, uh, our bylaw officers, um, have a good relationship with those sheltering, uh, in the corridor. This particular individual, uh, requested the assistance of our bylaw, one of our bylaw officers specifically, uh, that she has a good relationship with. She advised the bylaw officer that she chose the site. It is a part where the lawful sheltering, um, it is a lawful park. She chose the park, uh, our officers did not transport her. Uh, she was transported her dog, her, uh, and a couple of her friends were transported by a cab. She requested the assistance of our officers to transport her belongings. Our officers, uh, complied, uh, knowing that if they didn't, um, the belongings would not have fit in the cab that those belongings would have been destroyed, uh, were stolen or they would have had to be impounded. Okay. Thank you. Cause photographs were sent, of course, to councillors. And there are several people there. Okay.

Um, so that's how that occurred. Uh, thank you. And we're by next. Um, please that bylaw, is a training completed for the new bottle officers. As well. Through you, Mayor, yes. Um, we have completed our hiring and training of the 12 officers. Great. Now some time ago months ago, um, and I got this request all the time from a few very elderly people in high race buildings, retirees. Montsergle, we were told that when bylaw had staffed up hours of outreach and other bilativity would include evening hours, et cetera, has that begun. And if so, how many hours and which days or all days of the week, et cetera. Ms. Jones. Thanks to you, Mayor. Uh, yes, our feet on the street team has been doing evenings and they've been doing that since March. Sorry, April.

Right now we have staffing levels that will accommodate evening shifts until 10 o'clock every other night. Just till 10. Correct. Till 10 of PM. Okay. And that's every day of the week. No, it's, they work on a two day, two afternoon rotation. So it works out to be about half the nights. And then we do have some support as well, uh, from VPD to attend in the evenings. Okay. That's great. So thank you. Um, my questions are all over the place. Um, Cidifies July 10 on the 10th. I don't know if you're familiar with Cidify series. Interview was with Reni Rosagnol. I keep thinking downhill skein. Sounds seems to be that big skis. Anyway, of them is security. And I spoke to Renee and received permission to use his comments and asked a couple of questions that he had suggested. Now his number one change would be for the city to have a direct phone line number to bylaw. As a consideration of that and

is that possible. Because I actually agree with that one. I know I've mentioned it before. Is Jones. Through you Mayor. There is a bylaw line. There's also an online reporting tool. And we are, um, currently working on our administrative staffing levels to accommodate, uh, more, uh, an ability to have a more actually in on time response. So what's the reporting tool do. You marry the reporting tool goes to our administrative staff and then those reports are triaged and sent to dispatch to our bylaw officers. So that wouldn't be in the evening. Is that in the day or night or both. Three, it is, uh, during the day seven days a week. From 6 a. m.

until 4. 45. The evening shifts where our bylaw officers are working, uh, there is also an administrative staff member to support that work as well. Okay. Thank you. Uh, last week was the opening of the Prince George involuntary care facility. Reading from the Vic News report focusing on statements made by Dr. Vigo. The BC's Chief Scientific Advisor for Psychiatry toxic drugs and concurrent disorders. This is his quote or the quote from Vic News. The tide is finally turning on the toxic drug, health emergency, partly because the province has significantly changed tack on how the crisis. Is being approached discontinuing failed policies and refocusing on treatment.

Now, um, I was at a breakout session of the January session, the breakout session you had in January on the Community Safety Wellbeing forum. That one day session. And there in the breakout session I was at some of the providers really bemoaned the fact that the province is walking back. On the decriminalization. Saying that decriminalization should continue because a few more years we'd be successful. So these are the same people who are dealing with and trying to resolve things and change the type of housing somewhat or not housing. But the treatment of people. And so how do we reconcile how are they providers dealing with the fact that either their staff or some of the providers actually want decriminalization as opposed to what we are trying to do, which is get people, at least I hope we are trying to get people treatment. I'm going to suggest that it would be a bit of a stretch for our staff to provide an opinion on behalf

of anyone else, uh, but of course you're welcome to share your own thoughts if you wish, but you are not required to. Yes, through the mayor, I think it's inappropriate for staff to comment about how other people may feel. Great technique. No, I just realised you were liaising with them and convening them all together. So I just didn't know if that had come up. Okay. So given the statement that Rene had made, or not Renee, Dr. Vigel. Hesitad turned in Victoria. I think that's also a very large question. It would be hard for any one of you to answer. But of course your observations are welcome. Should you wish to share them? But again, you're not required. Streng two cheesy. Did you want to make sure I thought? Through the mirror. I think the tide is turning. I think, uh, the willingness to partner, for example, at the City on Johnson Manor, uh, is an example of that. I think with the severity of the

drugs that are here, mentedomy in particular. There's going to have to be new ways to look at how do you approach this, not just from the harm reduction side. I know as a staff member, you know, we continue to try to pursue options on expanding things like detox, recovery, because it is, it is critical to, uh, a robust plan. Thank you. Thank you. I have a few couple more questions later. Sure. You can do it now if you like. You've got three and a half minutes. No, I'll want to figure out what I'm going to have questions once I get rid of the questions, I'm sure. Thank you. I'm going to suggest actually that we take a break now. We've been sitting for quite a while. We do have at least one other, uh, new questioner survey. And I suspect probably some follow - ups as well. So it is 1022. Why don't we try and come back here by 1035.

Thank you. And through the mayor, thank you very much for the presentation. I always find the very informative, and I know the public does it well, so I want to take time, say thank you for that. I have only three questions, so I'll move through them quickly. The first one is about island health. IN Health didn't come up to very much in this presentation. So I just want to give you all an opportunity to maybe explain a little bit more broadly about what the role is of island health in this plan. What could they be doing more? What could they be doing better? Given their role in detox, harm reduction treatment, so much of the solutions funnel back into island health. Are they very actively at the table? What's the update on what their role is in this plan? We'd like to take that. Through the mayor. Thanks for the question, and it is an important partner, Island Health is as we move forward in

the wide range of health interventions and solutions. I do want to remind, counsel, that island health is a variety of different programs and focus areas, and often while we're being talking about addictions medicine or mental health and substance use, you know, part of broader community safety and well - being is things like vaccination programs and public health campaigns. So, you know, why on, while we work with island health on very specific or targeted activities, we also very much acknowledge the value and benefit that comes from the wide range of island health services. Island health, I think, you know, plays many roles, and one of the areas that we have continued to focus on is looking at what can we do, first and foremost as we work collaboratively with island health to look at all of their facilities and sites across the municipality and understand what services they offer to the populations and ensure that our bylaw officers and our city staff are aware of the

services, how to access the services, refer people to those services. So that's both for our city staff and any contractors that we're working with. We're also, I think, carefully looking at what are the ways in which we can support island health as they manage their site at the 900 block for the harbour. And considering the ways in which we can help to advocate to senior levels of government about the investments in health care and proactive, um, investments that are needed to support the members of our community. Maybe I'll open up to any of my other colleagues to add in, but I will say that we meet monthly with mylent health and, you know, have a very healthy relationship with them. Thanks. I think that's probably a sufficient answer for now. I'll move on to my second question, which is about barriers. So I had a conversation, a really positive conversation with the resident the other day, and we were talking about community safety and well

- being. We're talking about the plan. I'm struck by the fact that, and this is just my own subjective observation, but it does seem like people over the last year or two have gotten a better sense in general, the public has gotten us a better sense of the jurisdictional rules that we all play. I felt like four years ago there was more confusion about that. I actually feel like the less confusion. I think more people understand that the province plays a very big role in housing and healthcare and treatment vis - a - vis, what a municipalities role is. In any case, we had a conversation about park sheltering and positive observations would made about the fact that there's been a significant reduction there. And so we had a conversation about that success. We talked about downtown and ongoing challenges there. And the person posed to me the fallen question. What are the key barriers to getting people into housing and treatment? And it was

one of those moments where I froze for a second and I thought, how many hours, how many hours do we have to have this conversation? Right? It's one of those big sprawling. Conversations about social issues and social problems that is really hard to distill down, I find, to like some easily consumable bullet points because the average person doesn't have half an hour to have like a broad ranging conversation. So when that's put to you about what the key barriers are out there to getting, especially unsheltered and homeless into housing treatment, wherever they need to be, what should our answer be? Especially when we're trying to have really consumable easily understandable. Conversations with people with resonance.

What are the key barriers that we face. So we're asking for the eight bullets that we can't figure out. Through the mirror, I'll start on that. Some of the barriers that I believe are strongly preventing a lot of people getting off the street. Is that ability to take them from the harm reduction, uh, position that many of them are in into those next steps, those next immediate steps. Um, that would be, you know, expanding your detox capacities, expanding, uh, the ability to do what we call warm handoffs between these stages, expanding your ability for second stage housing. Um, that's where I see one of the barriers is there's not a good pathway for them to go through a continuity to get them to the point that they're stabilized and you can start talking about more permanent housing. So I think if, if there was to be investment, uh, by the province, it needs to be in that area of helping people. For example, people are

accessing the harbour for harm reduction supplies. How do you influence them to leave that day and get into something. And then be able to take them through those stages without the risk of them having to fall back on to the street community. Um, that's one major barrier. I think that needs to get resolved. We're seeing small investments where the lights are starting to come on. Like I said, Johnson Manor is one of those. But, uh, that's one barrier. There's some technical barriers. I'll call them things like, uh, it's, it's difficult for couples. Um, that are unsheltered to get housing. It's difficult for people that have PETS. Um, and, and there's some work we're looking at around that. Those are what I'll call technical barriers. But the bigger barriers to me is that ability to take someone from that harm reduction position, uh, where the cycle of addiction and homelessness and take that those next sort of two to three steps. Okay. I think that's, that's

a great answer. And through the Mayor, do you feel like that answer, that message has been clearly conveyed to island health and BC housing. Is there anything more that we can be doing to get that message across. Is Frantucci. Yeah. Through the mirror. What we're good at at a staffing level, I believe is showing what's possible. Um, and that is, as I said, things like Johnson Manor and other ways of, of doing things. What we need at senior City level is always going to be that ongoing, um, uh, lobbying to government, making them aware and trying to get them to focus their investments. So yes.

Okay. To be continued. My last question, and I just wanted to put it out there as a high level question. But I think we're one year into this plan, right? This is approximately one year into this plan. So I want to give staff an opportunity to weigh in on what is one aspect of the plan that has really exceeded your expectations. Where you had maybe low or no expectations and it's delivered some real value to the community in terms of safety. And what's one area of the plan where maybe things are in process, but you would have liked to have seen more progress by now.

Mr. Grantci, where were you? You all want to weigh in on this? Uh, through the mirror, and I will say this, but it's not to infer. It's the most important. But one of the things that I've been really pleasantly surprised at is seeing what the FOTS teams can do in terms of being out there and proactively working because it is beyond a traditional bylaw, uh, work. And, uh, I, I did not expect some of the results that they're seeing only because, um, we didn't necessarily realise how much need there is out there for these types of things when somebody walks up on, uh, someone who is homeless or a store owner has someone they can talk to. Um, so for me, that's, that's been something I've been really pleased about. Uh, again, I don't think we would have a Johnson manner without this plan. Um, and, and I, I know I've said it three times.

I think that was a breakthrough moment. And it's, you know, once the foot's in the door, you keep pushing. For more of that kind of investment. Um, and the second question was, sorry. What's, what's something that you wish had had witnessed more progress over the last year. It's maybe still in process. But just being transparent and honest with the public about how this plan is going. Through you, Mayor. I think for me, um, to answer your first question, I think I completely agree with director Antucci on the success of the FOSTS program. We absolutely love it. Um, but I think it wasn't a surprise. I mean, I believed in the power of collaboration, um, but it's exceeded our expectations. The knowledge, the passion, um, that our partners are coming together with people from very, very different beliefs and backgrounds because they're aligned and wanting to see a better outcome. And the power in that is actually, I find incredible. Um, but on that, um, change

is slow. Um, you know, this, we want, you know, action faster. Everybody does. But to do this right and to do it properly, it takes time to build these foundations. Um, so I guess we just wish it could be just a little bit quicker. Thank you. And thanks for the work you're doing. Thanks as answers. Thank you very much. Councillor Coleman. Thank you, your worship. I have questions in three areas. The first I will put through you, your worship to Ms. Jones and it's restorative justice Victoria. You referenced them earlier. Historically, I think, um, there was a division or there were two solitudes between policing and restorative justice. That changed a number of years ago as we saw. The police department actually fund some of that and allocate police officers to the learning process and take training. With the FOTS team, the nine new police officers coming in, the eight coming in at different times.

How many have gone through or will be going through restorative justice training. Ms. Jones. Through you mayor. Given I have not been at Vic PD now for a few years. I've, I feel that would be best answered by Chief Wilson, um, when she comes next week. That's, that's absolutely fair. Thank you. Um, and I will then, I assume it's the same answer. The funding of RJV still gets, uh, split between the province and the police department, I believe. I think that's a question. That's also a question for the chief. That's fair. You did reference, um, the lowering of the recidivistic rate. Which is absolutely brilliant, particularly for first time offenders. Can you give a quantification to that. Ms. Jones. No through you, Mayor. When I was working at the Police Department, um, and very engaged in that particularly around trying to work, um, in domestic violence in this area, um, whether it's restorative justice or other avenues that are similar, um, intensive case management where

the principles really are the same where we're looking at trying to address the drivers of behaviour, um, that the criminal justice system doesn't alone. Um, I wouldn't be able to give you a number, but the rates are significant, um, because we look to, uh, rather than punishment, we look to how to would, you know, holding people accountable, but how do we stop it from, from happening again in the future by addressing the offender. So it's, it is very, very impactful. Thank you. My understanding is that with first time offenders going through the restorative justice program, the lowering of the recidivistic rate is over 80 percent, which has a long line impact to society that's very good. So. The funding of that program in partnership with what you do is a critically important. The second area, um, it was referenced earlier that up to 1. 6 percent of the general population here is either facing homelessness or in shelters or in support of housing. Historically, we

also talked about a different tranche of people who were those at risk of homelessness. Um, and it was historically seen as three to seven percent or three to six percent of the general population. As we see the economics change locally, are we seeing any of that play out. Ms. What. Through the mayor, it's a good question. And I'm similarly, uh, that kind of number of kind of three to six percent of a population that are at risk where there may be two to three months of a loss of a paycheck or other kind of major life change that could put them over the edge. Um, I do think that we here in Victoria have a couple of extra factors that play, uh, that come into play. We, we have an older population, often with, uh, on fixed incomes. We have a high percentage of renters.

Um, we have a variety of people who, uh, with a high cost of living generally. This is an area that, you know, when we think about what more can we do on the prevention side of things is how is the city supporting those protective factors, whether it's, you know, access to healthy, affordable nutritious food, you know, through our get - growing program or giving people ways to get around and reduce their personal automobile and transportation costs by having public transit programs or active transportation infrastructure. Those are the kinds of levers that the city has in addition to obviously other programs like our tenant support program and bylaw, et cetera. So I think that's the role of the city is what are the ways in which we're helping to prevent homelessness and help improve those protective factors when we know that there is a high cost of living. And we want to be able to, um, uh, provide that prevention. Or in the cases of programs

like the rent bank, the intervention, when needed. So different roles for the city to play. Um, I don't think we have a percentage forecast at the Capitol region level of how many people may be at risk of homelessness within X number of months. Perfect. Thank you. And thank you for highlighting the importance of the rent bank. The third area through your worship. This three year plan, the community safety and well - being plan is seen by some, as I think as the solution set. And my understanding is this is the first major initiative. There's a lot of other stuff that we'll have to be done over time. So the question for any of you or all three of you is what issue on the horizon keeps you up at night. I will, as I've heard this question before, um, remind staff that your thoughts are always welcome and valued. But the nature of a question like that should not make it a required response. Go

ahead, Mr. and teach you. Through the merit, like to use this opportunity to answer also back to a question, Councillor Caradona brought up. What keeps me at night is knowing that there are thousands of youth out there that do not have, uh, the stability, the guidance, the opportunities that come with, um, helping to secure successful and enjoyable life. Um, and this goes back to Councillor Caradon's question. What was one of the things of this plan that surprised me in a positive way. What surprised me in a positive way. And this is a lot of the work of, um, assistant director Webb and Jones. Is knowing that there are a lot of organisations out there that have programs and capacities and ways in which to try and reach out to this youth. But they're all fragmented.

And they're all living on six months or one year funding grants. And so I look at that and I go, look, there's these opportunities out there. They're there. It's just how do you bring this together so they can leverage each other so that, you know, I believe the figure was about one third, the point in time count homelessness, they were in government care at one time. So that meant we had at some point in time an opportunity to have brought in these resources and to have followed them to help them be more successful and not end up on the street. I know that's a very long answer, but, uh, I think that's the core about, um, and what I'd like about this plan. And what I'm hoping we can work more on in the future is that upstream. Thank you. I think a very pressing answer. Appreciate it. Thank you. Councillor Kim. Thanks through the chair. Um. It was mentioned in response to one of

the questions of what we could be doing, um, to support your work, which is, um. Around island health. And to push for more funding to go to island health, my question is, why are we doing that? Aren't they directly a part of provincial government? So am I misunderstanding or is there a gap? I don't know about. Again, I'm going to note that you may or may not wish to comment on that. You've been very, uh, judicious in your comments so far. That doesn't mean that you answer as you feel you are. Comfortable doing. I think through the mayor, um, I may offer that there is so much value that can come from the programs and investments, uh, in, all forms of health. And that is the proactive work, the prevention work, the direct response on the ground, the acute care, uh, we know that, you know, many people in our community need different health resources.

They may be people who are living on the street. They may be families with young children. They may be elders in our community. And so island health is absolutely a function of the provincial government and continued investments in that broad range of services that island health can provide here on the ground to members of our community, no matter who they are, are critical. Do you happen to know, um, how islent health performs comparatively with other health authorities. Uh, through the mayor, I do not. And I think that would be a question that we would want to ask the chief medical health officer or some of our Ireland Health colleagues. Okay. Thanks. Um. Given that you, uh, are in a sense, like frontline of plan implementation, I wonder if you could speak to, um, what you're hearing out in community about positive conceptions as well as misconceptions of the plan and what do you want to, uh, fix on the record. This web? Um, through the mayor, I'll start and welcome any

of my colleagues to answer. Positive conceptions, a recognition very much that, um, this is a wickedly complex challenge. And no matter where you go in British Columbia or Canada, um, other communities are facing the same, very real challenges. And that, that this plan has helped to provide an impetus for doing things differently and making strategic investments to try new things and address the problem here at the local scale. So I would say that, you know, some of the kind of, the conceptions around the city willing to try different things. The city stepping up into spots where we haven't historically in the past. The city looking for solutions and removing barriers. Those are some of the positive components that I can see and that we've heard from the community. Uh, perhaps as a misconception is that it's all about enforcement. That, you know, that the very much these ideas of investing in housing and sheltering solutions, community supports, public space, management, enhancement and revitalization are equally

as important to having enforcement and response measures. They all go hand in hand as we move forward in trying to look at ways in which we can interview in our community. And finally, maybe the other misconception is just the recognition that, um, that community safety wellbeing is for all parts of our population. It's not just for those who maybe have substance use problems or our challenges with securing housing. It's actually the fact that, um, that community safety wellbeing, uh, the interventions that we're making have a ripple effect. And that can help so many parts of our, our, our, our population. Um, there are no instant solutions. Um, but we recognise that the strategic way that we're moving forward is part of a new way of local governments to act. Um, and, and perhaps, uh, better outcomes for our, not only generations that are here today, but future generations tomorrow. Okay. Thank you. Um, your year in. What would you have done differently and what would

you repeat. Through the mayor, one of the things that maybe I would offer is, um, this plan was adopted, uh, a new department was created and we mobilised a immediately, um, and, uh, and basically since September, we have been coming every two months sharing different progress along the way, identifying areas that we're working on, some of the bigger challenges that we're dealing with and recognising, um, where the gaps to fill. Um, so, uh, in terms of what would, what would we do differently? Perhaps communicating the enormity and length of what needs to happen. Um, that these are, uh, going to be, uh, not just a one time approach that this is about creating a culture shift, as Peter Rentucci said, um, and it's also about that kind of sustained investment in partnerships and relationships, um, whether it be our work in collaboration with Victoria Police or BC emergency health services, uh, to the work that we're doing on the ground with nonprofit organisations and housing providers. Um, I think we're ready,

willing, and able to step up. But the challenge is, is, uh, the scale and what this is going to continue to look like over, over the years ahead. Do you have a sense of the positive regional impacts you've had. Through the mayor, I would like to, um, think that we have had several opportunities to share some of the successes and examples of the work that we're doing. And it is being taken note by other communities, uh, here in the Capitol region. Um, just when I think about the work that we're doing, um, with our community housing renewal grant program, we were leveraging federal investments here at the local level to focus in on existing buildings and how do we help to improve safety, climate resiliency, occupancy within that. A very creative solution that none of the other municipalities who received housing accelerator funds came up with. We recognise there was a gap and we decided to act. And it was an exciting example to be

able to look at how the work that we're doing and how it can really have that, um, ripple effect within other municipalities. I will say that many of the organisations we've also worked with CORV other municipalities, um, sometimes the leadership from the City of Victorias helped to stimulate, um, new conversations at local levels or at the regional scale around the impacts and coordination, um, and the value and benefit that can happen with small scale investments to help build up capacity and help, um, try new things or help extend or expand really successful programs. I am hereing, however, of agencies that are experiencing geographic scope creep as a result of this. Not just the plan, but also just like the city investing as well as promoting their services. And then folks outside of the city are asking for these services. So, um, yeah, I suppose the question there. I'm sorry, but, uh, when you had mentioned that other municipalities are taking note, what does that mean?

Are they just like, huh, or are they actually asking for how you're doing it. Is what? Um, through the mayor, I think that across the municipality, and I was part of all of our city departments, we all have our colleagues, um, that are subject matter expertise. Our colleagues in housing connect with other colleagues in housing across other municipalities. Our colleagues and engineering and public works. They have their own, um, networks with an engineering and public works. So I think one of the elements that we see is that using those community of practices, using those networks is often, uh, the most direct way in which we're sharing information. Um, you know, we're one year in, this is very new. We're one of very few municipalities across Canada that even is tackling or taking this kind of coordinated approach. My hope is that over the next couple of years, we start to see this kind of thing become more, um, more, more commonplace in municipalities large and

small of recognising the value of targeting energy and efforts around wellbeing and safety, uh, to create those positive outcomes. So we're still early in, but I think that, uh, I'd like to say that when I get on the phone with white horse or Toronto, um, it's pretty exciting to see how Victoria is stepping up, um, and, and doing some of the things that these very large cities or very complex, uh, cities with very complex needs and how we're all, uh, working very much together. And in this kind of early adopter, um, and then hopefully we get a lot of fast followers. Why do you think this kind of success? And my next question was about to be like, are peers from other municipalities across North America reaching out? And it sounds like they are. Why do you think the success isn't being more prevalently highlighted in the public discourse. I would maybe start and then I can offer, um, Mr. Ranchucci. We're making some really

great strides, but there are still people who are unhoused on our streets who are facing, um, a situations where they don't feel safe, where they're coming across individuals with, um, addictions, um, substance use needs. And you can't ignore that. That is very real. And so, uh, we don't want to be up here at the table to say we're always wearing rose coloured lenses. We've, we've seen some really great strides, but the everyday is still there for people. And so our goal here is how do we change that everyday experience? And that is something that I think, um, it's hard to talk about those broader successes when the everyday is still there. Right. Um, my last question, um, and it's one that you know I would love to ask is, uh, what is a story or a case that has hit you in particular. And rather than keeps you up at night helps you go to sleep at night. Just goes, uh, through the mayor one, and it's, it sticks with me because it was

recent is, uh, an elderly fellow, uh, very recently was displaced by fire. This fellow was being supported by emergency management. Um, but they weren't having much luck, uh, and he was coming to the end of support plan and was facing homelessness. And with the work of our emergency management team, um, our feet on the street team led by Lisa Forcier and Pacifica housing were finally able to get this fellow into housing. And not only did they get them into housing, I know Pacifica was out there furniture shopping for him. I believe BC housing their heart team was also supporting his move. So they moved this fellow into a home effortlessly. Um, where he was facing homelessness in his 70s.

Follow how to operate a shelter and deliver programming to be able to support everybody. But what we can do is work with these organisations who've got legitimacy, who have great strong foundations, and who are making impactful change. So for us, it was that catalyst. And so the thought for me going to bed was knowing that individuals like that. I wasn't hearing that from salvation army staff. I was hearing it directly from individuals who were telling their stories. Mr. Antucci. Through the mayor, for me, it was that very powerful night. A few weeks ago. I don't think there were too many dry eyes. Everything from the Spark program. I think you all, all of us got a sample of what was happening. And those stories are often coming back to us. And so there's many of them. And it was amazing to see the work and how many people were impacted by it, because that is the upstream work that has to happen. I was particularly

touched by these stories that people getting into the John Street manner. And some of you know the first person that got in there and the work they went to. They went to get a suit. Because that was their perception of how they needed to get into something like this. So there's countless. I'm going to be honest. And also knowing what a lot of the bylaw officers are doing out there every day and the help that they're giving to individuals on the street. Is there anyone who hasn't yet spoken, who would like to do so before I go back to a second crew? Councillor Dell. Thank you so much to the mayor. A lot of the questions were answered already. I just had a couple specific questions referred to downtown about the feed on the street bylaw program and the downtown Police team, which sounds like it's not quite set up yet. Can you talk a little bit about the actual schedule of the feed on the street team and what they're doing? I'm

downtown. I kind of see them once in a while, but, um, I know the questions from the business community looking for those early morning shifts, looking for helping, get people out of doorways. Those types of things. Can you talk about when they start in the morning? What route they're following? Is it a set and standardized route? And then what is a kind of a normal call that there might be taking? I mean, obviously we see these examples of folks who are kind of huddled up, the sheltering downtown. What do they do when they encounter that situation. Thanks to the mayor. Our feet on the street team do a two day two afternoon shift presently that afternoon shift goes from 115 until 10 o'clock. Their day shifts are 6 a. m. to 4. 45. They do not take us set route. Uh, they generally will deploy based on triaging the calls for service. So that could be through online reporting. It could be just, um, because

they're out there all the time. They know where the areas of concentration are. They will often pop into the businesses along within the POTS area. Um, they generally will stay because our patrol team does, uh, are areas of concentration with the police. So that is not primarily their mandate. Um, but they will come and support, uh, areas around. We get a lot of calls to 700 block of Johnson or 800 block of Johnson. Millie's lane is a really good example of that. So if there's an area of focus that is of concern to the community, they may spend, uh, a considerable amount of time in that area, the day over the day, um, visible presence.

You know, again, reiterating, uh, what the bylaws are. They will liaise with CPD and their foot patrol team, uh, they go from, they also, uh, will spend a fair bit of time in areas like pioneer swear. Um, so the approach that they take differs based on the issues that's presented with them, um, they, the feed on the street program is led by Lisa Fourcier. And she is our outreach managers. So they do also do a fair bit of outreach and support Lisa in that work. So when we have, um, youth has come up here, um, I think this is an area of evolution for the POSTS team where we're going to see them being a little bit more proactive working with our new team that's out there, uh, that you support team through the Ministry of Children and families is a brand new program and trying to do some intervention work with some of a particularly our high risk youth. So the program is new.

It's evolving. And the whole, um, principal behind it is to create a framework that we can involve and change with, with the community needs. And that will primarily be through the POSTS team. Mr. Dill. Okay. Thank you to the mayor. Um, another thing I kind of continually hear from the business community is, uh, the desire for a one - stop phone line. So the need to contact bylaw right away rather than submitting report to not having the follow - up. And I've heard this for a couple of years. Just for, just for full transparency, can you talk about that? Is that something that has been explored? Is it two administratively difficult to do? But I know in the situation when there is some type of disturbance for whatever the situation may be, uh, I get the sense they're still a lack of who do we call. And I know you've done a ton of work on that. So maybe just highlight that, but talk about

the one stop phone line, if that's possible at all. Is that Ms. Jones or Ms. Webb? Or both? Through the mayor, we do have a phone line. It is not, we presently do not have the capacity to dispatch or direct officers to a situation in real time. Um, although that is what we are presently doing is increasing our administrative staff to be able to accommodate that. So that is the goal. Um, what that requires though is, um, staffing, uh, so we're still staffing up the team to be able to do that because that is a, that would be a false mandate. They do respond currently where they can to online reporting. So online reporting is immediate. It is triaged immediately. Um, and so when those calls come in, they will, uh, respond in real time when they are able to do so. So the goal is to have, uh, a phone answered in real time.

And so we are working on that and hope to have an update for you in the next couple of months. Okay. Thank you. Um, last question. I'll change the topic entirely because we've covered a lot of this. Through the mirror. You did talk about arts and activation a little bit. So this term, we've done a lot of heavy lifting on arts and culture downtown. We created the, the new stage at Ship Point. We increased festival funding. We have new busker rules. Our downtown, um, can you just talk a little bit about what else, what other need you're seeing for activation downtown? I mean, I think we're hearing a lot of needs on bylaw and police and services. Is there anything from your team that you would actually like to see that we could take back and consider in terms of events, festivals, things that we can do to get downtown, um, I know. Yeah. That would just be interesting to hear your thoughts on that.

Ms. Webb through the mayor. Thank you for the opportunity. Um, you know, this is another example where our team works closely with other parts of the organisation to understand what can we do? How can we work together and how do we amplify those services? Um, so one area that we're currently focused on that they'll be rolling out this fall is how do we help support some of that early to mid evening activation and public events through the off season through the shoulder season. November, December, January. So, um, you know, the city had an incredibly successful Victoria Dusk festival in February this year and planning for another festival again in February of 2027. But what we find are those incremental opportunities to be able to support, um, parts across the municipality. So in the North Park neighbourhood, down in Cook Street village, over in Vic West, what are those ways in which we can help stimulate and invite and engage businesses and community organisations to take

action? So, and those are the kinds of, um, small scale community events that can help to build community in a very different, um, way. And the large scale festivals and perhaps summer season. I would offer that, um, areas that we know, um, after council's decisions around, uh, for example, centennial square. We have this really great asset right next to us. And, um, council deferred some capital, uh, investments there. But the continuation of programming and support, uh, last night, uh, for example, the event tied music series. While I'm not a heavy metal person, I was encouraged to see how many, you know, a couple hundred people, uh, hanging out in the square really enjoying community together.

Um, you know, seeing the Latin festival, seeing the salsa dancing, seeing country music instantaneous square is a great thing. So to me, that's an area that will continue to work with in terms of our arts and culture, uh, colleagues and looking ahead to 2027. Mr. and Tucci through the mayor, those types of activities are twofold benefit. One is it is helping draw people into the downtown, which is good for our vibrancy, good for our businesses. But also, you know, program space is space that is less likely to, you know, see things like encampment. And so I've always seen these as a twofold benefit and would like to see that continued. Thanks on that note. I'll just note that we're having a pop - up rave at ShipPoint tomorrow night, which, uh, the last one was hugely successful and brought, I think hundreds of people downtown.

So, um, more stuff like that, I think shows that a lot of people do love downtown. They just want to have a good excuse to come downtown. I think we've done a great job on that. But the more to do. So I'll leave it there. Thank you very much. Uh, anyone who's not yet spoken, need to say anything else. Looks good. So I have a couple of people who have asked to ask subsequent question. Councillorton, you had one additional question, I believe. Thanks to you, Mayor. Um, I'm just curious. Because there's been a lot of, um, residents writing in about camping in their parks. It typically bylaw is called. I always write back and say, um, that I'm connecting that individual with the housing relocator, but I'm wondering if maybe this is happening or if it could happen. If when bylaw is called to the different parks or downtown that it can just be like standard operations that the relocation coordinator is also flagged to

work with that individual. Or does that already, I guess it wouldn't happen through the POTS team because that's separate. But. Is that a possibility or does it happen. Ms. Jones. Through the merit does happen. Um, they will, uh, traditionally go through Lisa to do that triaging. Lisa is very, very good about, um, keeping the team updated on and vice versa, uh, when our bylaw officers are coming across areas that the relocation coordinator, um, may not know of or the new people in town, um, that work is already underway. Okay. Great. And then of course those people then are added to the list or the demo.

Right. Correct. Okay. Perfect. Mayor, are we able to make comments or are we just questioning? I will try to be brief here. I just want to say that the, the few high, this is an incredible work. And I just want to thank you all. This couldn't be done without the three of you. And I'm so appreciative of that. And the things that, that sort of stood out for me that all of you spoke about one is our, our housing relocator and the, the number of people that remain housed. And I know you're going to come back with that number, but I know it's high. And that is such a critically important thing because we know that the vast majority of people, um, of cases of higher acuity that are sheltering downtown all have been housed before. So being able to go through a process where people maintain their housing is just, um, that is worth so much. It's just incredible work. So I want to

thank you for that. Also the individual stories are so powerful. So thank you for sharing those, those individual stories. I think it's important for all of us to hear, but also for the public to hear about people that are directly benefiting from, from this work. Prevention is the solution to homelessness. I absolutely agree with that. That is where we need to be focusing like a lot of our attention. So I'm really, it was really, um, thrilled to hear that come up in this conversation. And Johnson Manor, that is something that would not have happened without Peter Rentucci. And sorry. And I just, I'm so grateful for him for seeing the opportunity there and creating that, um. Opportunity for people. And also, um, for some of the furniture in there came from, from. I don't want to say too many personal things here, but it, but Peter was highly involved in, um, furnishing that building. And I've been there a couple of times to meet the

guys just, you know, I guess it's part of my council duties, but just as just as a volunteer, as a resident myself and wanting to meet these guys and they are, um, they wouldn't, none of they all say they would never have been able to maintain their sobriety without that building. If they were put back into supportive housing, they would relapse. And they would certainly relapse if they went back to the street. And I found out that that there was 80 applications right off the bat. They're not taking referrals anymore. Um, so they're the wait lists are so long for this kind of housing. You have absolutely identified a complete block in the system. Um, and it is a breakthrough moment. And there is a tremendous need to block that to unblock that block in the system. So it's something that I will definitely be advocating very hard for more of this sober recovery base housing. It's absolutely essential. And I know the province, you

know, the messaging was a bit different between the premier and the minister of health this last week about, um, involuntary care. But even if people go through that process and our successful, they still need somewhere to go afterwards. And without this kind of housing, they aren't going to be able to maintain their sobriety. So if there is one thing for me that has come out of this plan, that is the most important. It is that. It is Johnson Manor. And I just want everyone to know that without Peter Rentucci, that wouldn't have been possible. And then finally, to you, Meralto, for, um, for putting an instigating this plan in the first place. Thank you. Um, this wouldn't happen without that. And, and we're moving in a really good direction here. It's slow work. It's a wicked problem. It takes an immense amount of time. But I believe we are moving in the right direction. And if we stay on track, we've got a plan. We've

got our strategy. And we just need to keep moving day by day, step by step. And we'll get there. So thank you all. Thank you very much. Councillor Gardner for a second time. Oh, I'm sorry. Mr. and Tucci. Yes. Thank you. Through the mayor. One thing I'd like to do is recognise CIS and director WEB was a large part of that program happening there. And, and the strength of the team and the heavy lifting they did to get Johnson Manor in place. Um, and it was my mother - in - law's furniture. She was moved into a home. Councillor Gardner. Thank you. And thank you, Mayor. And staff tremendous work. And thank you for that.

And going forward too. And I also appreciate the reference to the salvation army luncheon, which I also attended and have since met with some of the volunteers. I will take us right now back to the many experiences related to us by residents and businesses by returning to the words in the citifieds interview with Renee Rossignol of themus security. And please realise that employees of themus work on the streets and on private properties in the city every day. Exerps from the interview. Removing the stigma of drug use in BC has normalized open drug use in an alarming degree. If you've seen an overdose in progress, it is frightening how quickly it happens and can snuff out at life. Finding a human being, and he's got some other descriptive words, I won't say unresponsive with rigor mortis is one of the most senseless waste of a human being I have ever witnessed. I apply the police and bylaw efforts. However, they are dealing with results of society,

destructive, provincial and municipal policies along with the judicial system that has proven lacking for BC residents. The implementation of multiple policies at every level of government has certainly caused the decrease in safety. Reluctions of all levels of government meant that decriminalization of drugs had the opposite effect of what had been predicted. His concluding comment that I will read to you is the escalation of incidents will trespassers attempt to assault security personnel is a weekly occurrence for our staff downtown. I think we can never forget that. It's the experiences. That these are people that are frontline. They're there. And, uh, they're working and the general public doesn't seem so much because they're on private property. Police cannot go on private property until they're called. And so that's why a service like this is very important to the city. And I think that we have to remember these people who are frontline. And that includes bylaw of course and police. And we have to remember that. I

remember the experiences that so many residences. Uh, have right now. They are really paying a huge price for this. And some of them not being able to even safely leave their homes. So thank you staff for everything you are doing. Thank you very much. Leave their comments. If I might just conclude with a couple thoughts I didn't see your hand, go ahead. Sorry, I just put it up a few seconds ago. Um, yeah, I just wanted to add my thanks to staff, uh, for dealing with, with, uh, wicked problems, these overlapping we could problems of homelessness, um, uh, toxic drug, uh, crisis and addictions, um, uh, untreated mental health and street disorder overlapping separate, but very much overlapping, uh, crises that are taking place in cities across North America, which, which I think, uh, makes it clear that these problems have nothing to do with local, uh, or even provincial policies. Um, we see the same trends happening in cities, uh, all over North America

that, for example, in drug deaths, uh, decrease until 2019 and increase during the worst of the COVID pandemic. Peaking in 2023, 2024 and declining ever since. And you see that as I said in cities across North America. So I don't think we can realistically, uh, put the blame on local policies, whether they were adopted or, or revoked, uh, it's a, it's a wicked problem that's happening in a lot of places. Uh, and I think it's important that the public realised that and that policy makers realise that as well. Otherwise we are going to be barking up the wrong trees and not looking for, for, uh, solutions in the right places. So I appreciate staff having mentioned that earlier, uh, it is something that, um, is also, uh, clear if you search the media, um, and I would like to thank staff again for their hard work and helping to alleviate these problems. Thanks. Thank you, Councillor. Well, that was a morning, wasn't it? Uh, just

a few things. Just reflections and some of the things that I heard today. Uh, I have the privilege of working perhaps a little more closely with the three of you and others here. And I will say on a completely personal note, what you have accomplished in this period of time is beyond extraordinary. It may look on the way that you presented it as, I think as one of you said earlier, like a list of things. And it is. But it's a list of things, each one of which has changed someone's life. And that can never, ever. Be undervalued. A person said to me once many years ago that something that I had been part of had changed their lives. And then said, the need to do in the rest of your life because you have changed one person's life. That is what I would say to you. Accept you do it over and over and over again. You've used some fascinating words today. Beyond traditional.

The power of collaboration. Prevention, intervention, response. Advocacy. Partnership investment and action. I would like to think that the work that you've done and what you have shared today demonstrates that the City of Victoria has fundamentally reconstructed the way it does its work. Not at the expense of the services on which people rely conventionally. But in a way which will add to those services immeasurably. And it may be today that it looked like a list. But a year from now. Two years from now. Five years from now. I believe, I know. That this city will be fundamentally different because of your work. I also believe that every future council. Will be required. To continue this work. Because that is now what our community expects. Will it change? Of course, will it evolve? Absolutely.

Will it adapt and pivot, as you said yes. And that is the way cities must now provide the experience of being residents, all residents. So thank you. And we look forward to what's next. Thank you all. That oddly concludes the one item today. Item F1. The community safety and well - being implementation program update. Uh, we have no requirements at committee today for a closed meeting. And so I would look for a motion twitter. Thank you, Councillor Coleman, seconded by Councillor Gardner. All those in favor. Anyone opposed. And as unanimous, thank you, Councillor Thompson. Uh, let us take a very brief break only as long as staff need to flip us into our daytime council meeting. It will begin that and see how far we get before our lunch break.