Sources close to the Royal Athletic Park have confirmed the City of Victoria is looking at establishing a temporary homeless camp at the stadium.
The camp will be located near the eastern side of the park, along Cook Street at Caledonia Avenue.
The camp will follow all CDC guidelines put forth to stop the spread of coronavirus, including social distancing (2 metres or 6 feet between people), proper cleaning measures as well as washroom facilities.
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Sources say the camp will be a temporary arrangement, as the City of Victoria is still working towards securing a more permanent housing solution for those people who need it.
More information is expected to be available in the coming days as the final details are worked out.
Last week, Our Place Society announced it was scaling back many of its services in light of the current coronavirus pandemic and closing its doors to drop-ins to meet the province’s new regulations.
To comply with stricter health guidelines, Our Place is suspending access to its drop-in space, computer lab, courtyard, hygiene, and clothing area.
Despite these measures, they still plan to continue operating their washroom facilities, transitional housing, and shelter spaces, and providing three meals per day.
Volunteer shifts have also been cancelled to reduce the potential spread of the coronavirus, and dedicated staff will step in to fill those roles.
“In order to place people at the appropriate distance apart, we will need to rework our shelter space,” says Grant McKenzie, communications director of Our Place.
With files from Seanna Wainman
