The City of Victoria is transforming a public works building into a 34-bed shelter for individuals facing homelessness or at risk. Known as Bridge Street Pathways Shelter, this initiative is a joint effort between the city and the province, facilitated by B.C. Housing. Scheduled to open this spring, the shelter will accommodate individuals referred by outreach workers, with priority given to those currently residing in specific downtown areas like Pandora Avenue and Ellice Street.
Located in Rock Bay, just outside downtown, the shelter will offer crucial services in an area primarily occupied by warehouses and light-industrial businesses. Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with the province, highlighting the need for suitable space as identified in the agreement signed with the housing ministry in 2024 under the Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) program.
The chosen building at 2920 Bridge St. aligns well with the requirements, situated on fenced city property with private security contracted for nighttime surveillance. Mayor Alto emphasized the careful selection process to minimize impact on residents while meeting B.C. Housing’s criteria.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in Victoria’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan, aiming to transition individuals from street shelters to permanent housing solutions. The shelter will provide sleeping quarters, day-use facilities, storage, showers, meals, laundry services, and spaces for service provider consultations. Operated by Connective, a non-profit managing shelters in B.C. and Yukon, the facility will employ case managers to assist individuals in planning their path towards secure and affordable long-term housing.
Funded for three years, the shelter has received $6 million from the province and $700,000 from the city to support its operations and services.