The BC Coroners Service is investigating the death of a 37-year-old man at the homeless encampment along Pandora Ave.
In an email to Victoria Buzz, the Coroners Service confirmed they were notified of the death on April 17th and are currently in the early stages of their investigation to determine the cause.
Dozens of tents have been pitched along the 900-block of Pandora Ave after the closure of shelters like Our Place Society during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The temporary homeless camp at Topaz Park authorized by the City of Victoria now has 200 tents and is currently at capacity.
Thus far, 115 motel rooms have been obtained by BC Housing to provide shelter to homeless and vulnerable populations in Victoria.
The City of Victoria has sent a letter to the provincial government asking them to exercise their emergency powers to find indoor accommodations by requisitioning hotels, motels, and other indoor facilities for the purposes of housing homeless people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These units would then be provided to homeless people who are do not display symptoms of COVID-19 but are at risk of contracting and/or transmitting the virus.
During the Ministry of Health’s daily briefing on Monday, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry confirmed that the province is working on a coordinated plan that provides housing for those who need it, and also offer strategies to support people dealing with both the opioid overdose and COVID-19 crises.
