A 60-bed “navigation centre” for homeless people in Vancouver that was promised by the B.C. government in 2020 is still in the planning stages and there is no indication if or when such a facility will open its doors.
The centre, which was supposed to be the first of its kind in Canada, was scheduled to be operating by spring 2021, according to an announcement made Aug. 5, 2020 by then-minister responsible for housing, Selina Robinson.
BC Housing indicated to Glacier Media in September 2023 that it had identified a location for the centre, but wouldn’t provide details. In a July 16 email, BC Housing was reluctant to share further information, except to say “planning is currently underway” for the facility.
The City of Vancouver, which has previously acknowledged the challenge of finding a site for the centre, referred inquiries to BC Housing. The budget for the centre, which was expected to be set up in an existing building, was $1.5 million over three years.
The government’s news release in 2020 said the centre would offer 60 beds — on a referral basis only — and provide “integrated clinical health supports, as well as culturally appropriate services for Indigenous peoples.”
Robinson said at the time that the centre will provide 24/7 accommodation, “individualized attention, case planning and wraparound supports” for people. Guests of the centre would be able to stay until longer-term housing is secured.
At the time of the announcement in 2020, this type of “enhanced shelter model” — as government described it — had not been implemented in Canada. But, according to government, they are operating successfully in cities elsewhere in the world, including San Francisco.
'Going to be deaths'
Vancouver Coun. Adriane Carr has previously commented on her frustration that the facility hasn’t opened. Carr expressed the same disappointment in a recent interview in which she reiterated the reality for many vulnerable people who live in the city.
“With a delay like that, there’s going to be deaths,” she said. “It’s totally ridiculous because [homelessness] is probably one of the most top-of-mind issues for Vancouverites. Whether you're a small business, whether you're a compassionate resident of the city, everybody's concerned.”
Vancouver has had a growing homeless population for many years, with the most recent Metro Vancouver homeless count indicating 2,420 people were identified without a home over a 24-hour period in March 2023.
Vancouver has typically conducted a homeless count in between Metro counts but hasn’t done one since 2020. The pandemic forced the cancellation of the counts in 2021 and 2022 and the city has no plans for further counts.
BC Coroners Service data shows 306 "accidental deaths of homeless individuals" in Vancouver between 2015 and 2022.
'Survey fatigue'
Politicians at all levels of government, as well as staff, have relied on the data and survey results from homeless counts to inform policy.
Vancouver politicians have also used the information to support their lobbying efforts of senior governments to unlock funds for housing and services for addiction and mental illness.
“At this time, the City of Vancouver is not planning an annual count,” the city’s communications department said in an email. “Conducting an annual [point-in-time] count is a major undertaking, requiring hundreds of volunteers as well as staff and consultant resources to organize.”
The city said that while the number of people experiencing homelessness may fluctuate, the overall trends remain largely the same. Aligning with the regional count meets the city’s needs while making best use of resources, the city said.
“Staff are also concerned about survey fatigue particularly as some survey respondents may be asked the same questions every year when they remain homeless,” the city said.
“Participating in the tri-annual regional [point-in-time] count ensures we continue to collect longitudinal data to understand trends and any changes in Vancouver and throughout the region.”
Nanaimo navigation centre
Meanwhile, a second navigation centre was supposed to be set up in Nanaimo, but that facility has yet to open, either, according to BC Housing. The announced budget in 2020 for that centre was also $1.5 million over three years.
The government re-announced the Nanaimo facility via a news release June 28.
The centre will be located on city-owned land at 1030 Old Victoria Rd. Under the proposed agreement, the city would lease the site to BC Housing upon city council's approval.
The centre will operate in a modular building with approximately 60 private sleeping units, each with a locking door, bed and place to store personal belongings. It will include communal washrooms, a commercial kitchen, laundry/utility room, amenity room and office space.
BC Housing hasn’t said when the centre will open.
