Whereas the BC 2023 Homeless Point-in-Time count recorded the largest measured increase of individuals experiencing homelessness since 2005 Metro Vancouver Regional District and Fraser Valley Regional District; with individuals experiencing homelessness for longer periods of time, and with more individuals in unsheltered environments due to insufficient permanent, temporary shelter or emergency beds throughout the regions; And whereas the provincial government, having outlined the strategic plan Belonging in BC: A collaborative plan to prevent and reduce homelessness,has invested over 2 billion dollars since 2022 outlining commitments to prioritized communities, based on provincial qualifying assessments of local government homeless encampment impacts, to address immediate supports and shelter needs in those selected local governments: Therefore be it resolved that the UBCM call on the provincial government to accelerate and expand its commitment beyond the qualifying limitations identified in Belonging in BC by including access for every community and expanding permanent, temporary shelters and associated program supports in all BC local governments.
