Only those people who live near the Choices Transitional Home truly know what they’ve gone through since the temporary shelter opened in 2016.
As one resident remarked during Tuesday’s public hearing on BC Housing’s request for an extension of its temporary use permit, “It is easy for those who don’t live next door to the facility to question our compassion.”
Fears are often perceived and not based on personal experience. But for some neighbouring residents, their discomfort over the Town of View Royal continuing to allow the former youth correctional centre to be used to house the homeless stems from negative interactions with Choices residents, or individuals who may be visiting them. That’s when it becomes real.
Mayor David Screech, who had to firmly keep some residents on topic during the discussion Tuesday – as an effective meeting chair should – empathized with residents who voiced their frustrations and fears. He apologized for the way Choices was opened in their neighbourhood in the first place, with not a lot of consultation. Aware that the region continues to face a housing crisis for people in lower income brackets, he knows the facility was needed then and still is.
Having heard from what he later called “impassioned speakers” on both sides of the issue, the mayor, and perhaps other councillors, didn’t feel comfortable voting against extending the use of a facility that would otherwise lay empty when people in the region remain homeless. That said, Screech promised neighbours he would work with BC Housing and other bodies to ensure Choices closes by Dec. 31.
For its part, Our Place Society, the operator of Choices, has done its best to offer regular opportunities to voice their concerns. It has invited them in to see the facility and speak with residents and staff, as a way to reduce the fear. Some have taken them up on the invitation, others have not. No one can force a person to face their fears, just as no one can compel Choices residents to be good neighbours.
Over the next nine months, with the facility’s closure deadline firmly set, residents of Choices and the neighbourhood will view each other how they will. We hope mutual respect will prevail, as everyone deserves that treatment.