Victoria - 1176 Yates Street

A non-profit housing operator will be selected to manage the new supportive housing. Operators will have Program Agreements, not residential tenancy agreements. People who live in supportive housing need to abide by the rules outlined in the program agreement, including expectations for paying rent, maintaining the unit, involvement in individualized case planning, signing the Good Neighbour Agreement, which focuses on property, safety, conduct and behaviour, and communication. 

The Program Agreement also addresses expectations about appropriate and respectful behaviour especially as it relates to the health and safety of those signing, and others including fellow tenants and staff. In a recent dispute resolution in this regard, the supportive housing operator agreement upheld the Tenancy Act.

A common misconception is that people experiencing homelessness are “not from here” and that supportive housing “brings problems” into the neighbourhood that did not exist before. 

The 2020 Greater Victoria Point-in-Time homeless count found that the significant majority of the 1,523 homeless individuals counted were British Columbians – 84% had lived in Greater Victoria for more than one year, and 22% have lived in the region their entire lives. Of those who have moved from another place, 60% had lived somewhere in British Columbia before coming to Victoria. Together with our partners at the City of Victoria, we are working hard to build housing solutions for those most at risk of, or experiencing homelessness in the community. 

BC Housing’s supportive housing buildings are operated based on the widely recognized and proven Housing First model. Residents at these sites, and all other supportive housing buildings that BC Housing is affiliated with, are permitted to make their own choices in regard to lifestyle. This includes the decision to abstain or use alcohol or drugs in the privacy of their homes. 

However, it is important to note that not everyone who moves into the permanent new homes will use alcohol or drugs, nor do they all require support for substance use. They are members of the community who may be seniors, people who are employed but are unable to afford housing, or people with disabilities.

People without homes are often only able to focus on basic survival needs. By housing people, we increase the likelihood they will succeed in stabilizing their lives. Once someone moves into supportive housing, they are no longer homeless, and can focus on improving their well-being.

We all want safe neighbourhoods. The safety of residents, staff and the surrounding community is a priority. This would be a purpose-built property and security measures would include well-lit and fenced grounds, extensive camera monitoring and a controlled single point of entry, similar to many apartment buildings and condos. Just like any other residence, if there are concerns with specific individuals, the operator will work with City bylaw and police around potential solutions. 

If you see illegal activity, please contact the police. 

There is an urgent need to house people experiencing homelessness in Victoria. Point-in-time homeless counts in 2020 found there are over 1,500 people experiencing homelessness in the city.  

Sites for supportive housing are selected based on various criteria. BC Housing looks to acquire property based on community need and where there is an urgent need for more housing. Housing for people experiencing homelessness needs to meet people where they are, providing connection to the resources that people need to work towards living a healthy, stable life.

We encourage you to register for one of the upcoming Community Engagement Sessions. These sessions are an opportunity to hear from BC Housing staff and others about the development, and to ask questions:

• June 1, 2021, 2:30-4 pm
• June 2, 2021 5:30-7 pm

You can also email communityrelations@bchousing.org if you have additional questions.

Many supportive housing sites for people experiencing homelessness across the province have been operating in their communities and near schools for 10+ years with no issues and with support from the community. There are over 210 provincially funded supportive housing sites across the province that are within 500 metres of a school, and 52% of provincially-funded supportive housing sites in B.C. within 500 metres of schools have been operating for 10+ years.

In 2019 a BC Housing study reported that 82% of survey respondents across seven modular supportive housing sites experienced positive interactions with neighbours in the surrounding community since they moved in.

Both staff and residents of the Yates Street development will be committed to keeping the property and neighbourhood maintained with a daily clean-up, just as any other resident in the neighbourhood.

 You can learn more about the safety features of the new proposed housing in our factsheet in the document library on this site.

People who apply to live in the proposed supportive housing on Yates Street would need to meet eligibility requirements around income, homelessness and required supports and programming. Residents will be low-income individuals over the age of 19 who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness in the community and who need additional support services to maintain housing. They will be provided support to assist with their successful tenancy, including daily meal services. 

BC Housing and the housing operator will collaborate with local service providers on a thoughtful and thorough assessment process to ensure an appropriate mix of residents with the right supports live in the housing.  Every potential resident is considered on an individual basis to ensure that the housing and services provided by the program match the support services that they need, such as life skills training, employment assistance, and help with accessing a range of social and health care services. 

BC Housing worked in collaboration with the City of Victoria to locate a suitable property for supportive housing, and the Yates Street site was identified by the City. 

BC Housing looks to acquire property based on community need and there is an urgent need for more permanent, purpose-built supportive housing in downtown Victoria. There are many developments underway throughout Victoria and the CRD. 

Housing for people experiencing homelessness needs to meet people where they are, providing connection to the resources that people need to work towards living a healthy, stable life. Supportive housing locations are determined based on services, amenities and availability of property. The suitability of supportive housing sites is considered with respect to proximity to community services (health services, commercial and recreational activities); accessibility to transit; adequate lot size; connections to utilities; compatible land use policies. 

There are a significant number of projects (approximately 430 new homes) underway in the CRD, and a major financial investment by the Province over 10 years to add 3500 homes in the CRD over 10 years. 

There is an urgent need for permanent, supportive housing in downtown Victoria and the proposal for 1176 Yates Street will provide approximately 40 new homes with supports to people who are vulnerable in the community and need a safe place to live.

Since March, BC Housing has opened eight new sites with 505 spaces for vulnerable people in Victoria, including those who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, so they have a safe place of their own and can maintain physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

There are also approximately 430 new homes underway right now in the CRD for people with low incomes through provincial funding programs. Earlier this month, BC Housing also purchased two properties on Meares Street to propose the development of an additional (approx.) 50 new permanent homes with supports. 

The Province's affordable housing investment of more than $7 billion over 10 years will benefit everyone in B.C., including people in Victoria and the CRD. This is the largest housing investment in British Columbia's history. We appreciate your engagement and support on this project, and we will be reaching out to the community over the coming months with updates on our progress.