No one should have been surprised when the campers did not leave the courthouse lawn last week in response to an eviction notice from the provincial government. It shows the futility of trying to apply simplistic solutions to complex problems.
And this is a complicated problem, fraught with opportunities for name-calling, stereotyping and accusations. But the situation must be resolved — a tent slum in Victoria’s downtown core is in no one’s long-term interests.
Pitching the tent city on provincial property — the courthouse lawn — was a stroke of genius, putting the problem of homelessness and lack of affordable housing squarely on the doorstep of the provincial government. The downtown location has kept the issues surrounding homelessness firmly in the public eye.
And so the province has acted, working with the city and other agencies to provide temporary housing, as well as promising rent assistance. On Feb. 5, Housing Minister Rich Coleman announced the creation of 88 shelter and transitional housing units; transitional space for another 40 people is available at My Place. The campers were given notice to leave by Feb. 25.
Perhaps the notice to vacate was an attempt to placate people who believe the government hasn’t been firm enough, but it was an ill-advised move. A little thought should have told officials the notice would be a rallying cry for more protest, an invitation for others to gather.
And that’s exactly what has happened. Most of the 38 units of supportive housing at Mount Edwards Court were filled late last week, with all units expected to be filled. Other campers have moved to the former Victoria Youth Detention Centre. And yet the tent city has not noticeably diminished. A hundred tents are still pitched on the courthouse lawn.
From the outside, it seems simple enough: If you can’t afford to live in one of the most expensive cities in Canada, then live elsewhere. It should not be up to everyone else to provide a home for you, as well as for themselves. Beyond that, when accommodation is provided, it is unreasonable to turn up your nose at it, and ask for more and a better place to stay.
On the other hand, some of the campers are shining a light on a serious problem. Many jobs pay little more than the minimum wage, and the people in these jobs will have a hard time finding accommodation in Victoria, and moving out of the downtown core might reduce rent costs, but will increase transportation costs.
The difficulty comes with the understanding that each camper is there for a different reason, and a one-size-fits-all solution does not address all of the reasons.
People who genuinely need a place to stay might be ready to move out of the mud pit that is the tent city. Those who are there because they like rebelling against society’s norms might prefer to stay put. Those who are trying to make grander political statements will need to stay, since it is tough to rage against the establishment while accepting warm, dry shelter.
Objections have been raised to the temporary nature of the housing units offered, but the temporary housing comes with promises of assistance in taking steps toward a better future. The best course is incremental progress.
The tent city served to send a strong message that should not be forgotten. But all involved, including those who are camping there, should be looking for ways to dismantle the encampment through practical, affordable solutions.
