Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre will once again be used for temporary housing following the signing of a new agreement.
The province announced on Wednesday that they have signed a lease through BC Housing with arena operators GSL Group.
Shelter space is set to reopen in the arena in March, providing wraparound supports for up to 45 people experiencing homelessness.
“Today’s announcement is an important step that brings us a step closer to our goal that people experiencing homelessness in Victoria’s encampments will be offered safe, dignified and comfortable emergency accommodation by the end of March,” said David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing.
“This is transitional housing to respond to this urgent situation.”
In May, BC Housing opened a temporary housing facility in the Arena for up to 45 people.
They later allowed their lease on the space to expire in September, saying they would move people in the facility to housing at Paul’s Motor Inn.
Since the closure homeless advocates, including the North Park Neighbourhood Association (NPNA), have called for the reopening of the facility.
On Wednesday the NPNA applauded the new lease on Twitter.
“We are very pleased that the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre in North Park will be reactivated for temporary shelter use,” the NPNA wrote.
We are very pleased that the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre in North Park will be reactivated for temporary shelter use. Beginning in March, the facility will provide shelter and wraparound supports for up to 45 people currently experiencing homelessness. https://t.co/kqBmd7iCNO pic.twitter.com/MJv2IV0uk3
— North Park Neighbourhood Association (NPNA) (@WeAreNorthPark) January 27, 2021
Shelter guests at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre will be prioritized through applications submitted to BC Housing’s Supportive Housing Registry.
People currently homeless in encampments throughout Victoria and especially those vulnerable to COVID-19 will receive top priority.
PHS Community Services Society will operate the temporary shelter as it did last year, from May to the end of September.
The new lease will run from February 1 until May 30, 2021, with an option to extend pending discussions with GSL group.
