408 replies to this topic

[VicHockeyFan]

I guesed at 16,000 sq. Ft.

 

How many tents can one fit on a double tennis court?

 

 

It's a triple and I figured that was around 15,000 to 16,000 sq. ft.

 

So you'd get 100x 15x10 ft. "lots" if you have no pathways.  10x10 plots and maybe you get 100 with paths...

[Nparker]

... 10x10 plots and maybe you get 100 with paths...

That aught to really appeal to those who currently have pretty much all space they desire in existing parks.

[VicHockeyFan]

The appeal is staying all day.

 

 

Helps says it's a done deal.  It really is too bad that there is not even a public hearing before a council vote.

 

Topaz Park to be site of homeless tent camp | CHEK - VIDEO:

 

 

 

http://www.cheknews....nt-camp-110215/

[Nparker]

The appeal is staying all day.

I doubt even that will be so appealing through the winter months.

 

 

Helps says it's a done deal.  It really is too bad that there is not even a public hearing before a council vote.

I saw the CHEK interview and she came across as terribly arrogant, as though the public's opinion was of no concern. Funny, if a developer asks to even move a single blade of grass in this city it goes through months of consultation and seemingly endless public scrutiny, but turn a section of a taxpayer-funded park over to a project like this and it's a fait accompli. I am rapidly losing what respect I had for our mayor and realize I was right to vote as I did in November.

[VicHockeyFan]

I doubt even that will be so appealing through the winter months.

 

I told her that when I phoned in today too.  They will find somewhere better to sleep (friends home, shed, protected alcove adjacent to a commercial building etc.), or the actual shelters or cold weather protocol shelter, then they will just come back to tend to their stuff.  Now you have paid staff tending two sites for the same person.

[Mike K.]

It's actually quite frightening how quickly our elected officials move on agendas like this. There's obviously a plan being played out here and we're all only allowed to sit in and watch.

 

I can't believe that the City will delay development projects by years but a tent city is approved and a done deal seemingly weeks after being only an idea. Crazy.

[VicHockeyFan]

Great that they moved on a plan.  Terrible that their best thought-out plan was to create the absolute worst shelter in all of the country.

 

Not much thinking outside the box there.  Hey, people sleep in parks now.  I know, we'll legitimize and supervise them sleeping in parks, and let them sleep in!  Bingo!

 

A smarter move would have been work with churches, businesses and community groups and find a way to do this indoors.  If our bylaw guys can overlook pot business licensing, they can overlook the odd housing violation.

[LJ]

How about using this greenspace here, just seems to be a shortcut route. Blanshard/Hillside.

[Nparker]

How about using this greenspace here, just seems to be a shortcut route. Blanshard/Hillside.

I don't believe the city owns that space. Isn't a seniors care facility supposed to be going up there?

[Mike K.]

Yup.

[Nparker]

https://www.change.o...db-f8a07334db1c

[VicHockeyFan]

The turnout today:

 

[Bingo]

Were they lining up to stake out their campsite?

[rjag]

Wonder if there is any strategy with this location being right on Saanich's doorstep?

[Mike K.]

Now, staff that monitor the camp, I wonder what type of shelter they get to sit in?  I doubt it'll be a tent with no electricity or power/heat.  I bet they will be in a utility trailer with a nice chair and desk, full-height ceiling, nice space heaters.  Maybe a recliner or couch, TV maybe.

 

All of that, and more, is available for free to Victoria's homeless just across the street at ...Mayfair Mall!

 

I mean, Mayfair already titles its website as Mayfair Shopping Centre in Downtown Victoria BC, now they'll get an added dose of what it's like to be a downtown Victoria mall.

 

[VicHockeyFan]

Wonder if there is any strategy with this location being right on Saanich's doorstep?

 

I don't even know if you'd say it's on Saanich's doorstep, it's a long block away.  Saanich has no drop-in food service places, except a families-only dinner on Wednesday nights.  And they have no food bank.  

 

http://victoriahomel..._May_2015-2.pdf

 

I mean, it's the largest municipality by population but probably has the fewest services by far for the homeless.

[Nparker]

...I mean, it's the largest municipality by population but probably has the fewest services by far for the homeless.

And I don't recall Saanich ever offering assistance to the City of Victoria in dealing with issues of the homeless.

[Bingo]

Wonder if there is any strategy with this location being right on Saanich's doorstep?

 

Blanshard Street is ideal because there is lots of room for the pan handlers to line up like a peloton on the road median... except  by tent city where they have to cross 6 lanes of traffic.

The park does provide plenty of room for dedicated valet parking service for shopping carts.

What about a doggy doo composting facility? 

[VicHockeyFan]

Mayor Helps:  "It's happening"   -   CHEK News video

 

Councillor Coleman:  Victoria Coun. Chris Coleman said the notion of using Topaz Park for a tent city is not a done deal, and that it is just one of a number of measures put forward to council for addressing the homeless issue.  Coleman said he is cautious about using any park.     -    today's/tomorrow's TC

[Nparker]

I take it Chris Coleman was not one of the council members recently moved to tears regarding discussions of this topic. We can't allow major city policies to be decided by emotion. I respect Mr. Coleman's challenging the Mayor's emphatic tone of finality on this matter.