BC Housing to Conduct Third-Party Review Over Port Alberni Shelter Society Concerns

Friday, October 30, 2020

Port Alberni, BC –The City of Port Alberni is pleased to announce BC Housing has committed to retaining an independent third-party review in relation to concerns expressed regarding the Port Alberni Shelter Society, specifically “Our Home on 8th.”

“We believe strongly as a local government that the services offered in our community by the Port Alberni Shelter Society and BC Housing are absolutely vital. Confidence in these services and service providers is essential and we recognize that the concerns being expressed have diminished that confidence in a significant way.

We applaud BC Housing for taking a leadership role in addressing these concerns and for their ongoing commitment to providing safe, affordable, and accessible housing to our community’s homeless and under-housed populations.

In my capacity as Mayor of Port Alberni I commit to remaining involved in this matter, to supporting the third-party review, and to ensuring that ALL voices in our community have the opportunity to be heard, especially those of our vulnerable populations.

City Council and I have been closely observing the recent protest taking place at the Shelter. With BC Housing’s commitment to undertake a third-party review, I now call on all people who may still be at the shelter, to end their protest in order to allow due process to be undertaken.”

-Sharie Minions, Mayor of Port Alberni

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For More Information

Sara Darling, Deputy City Clerk

City of Port Alberni

250.735.6622

sara_darling@portalberni.ca