NORTH COWICHAN – New Democrat MLA Doug Routley says that people who are unhoused will have more access to support services in North Cowichan as a result of provincial funding.

“Only by working together with local leaders can we address the needs of unsheltered people in our region,” said Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. “We have listened closely to local leadership, and the funding we are providing today will help further our work to create more resilient communities.”

North Cowichan is receiving $624,050 to respond to the impacts of homelessness through the “A place to be” project. This project, in partnership with the Cowichan Valley Regional District, Duncan, Ladysmith, and Lake Cowichan, will provide a safe space for unhoused individuals to seek shelter and comfort during daytime hours, with access to washrooms, healthcare services, and local outreach teams.

The BC New Democrat government is investing more than $15 million into projects in 44 communities as part of the Strengthening Communities’ Services Program. This funding stream supports local governments and modern Treaty Nations in building additional capacity to address the needs of unsheltered people in their communities, while also keeping people safe and healthy.

The projects will include services such as outreach and mental health supports, creating new temporary shelters for people experiencing homelessness, and expanding shelter availability during potential extreme weather events through the program’s second intake. This investment is in addition to the $76 million provided to local governments and modern Treaty Nations through this program in 2021.

The Strengthening Communities Services Program is open to all municipalities, regional districts, Islands Trust and modern Treaty Nations in B.C. It is administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.