City of Victoria faces hefty bill to repair parks used for shelter during pandemic
The City of Victoria's parks staff says it will cost more than $500,000 to repair damage caused by people sheltering in parks during the pandemic.
In a report to city councillors, staff identified more than 140 locations in 10 city parks with visible impacts to both manicured and natural spaces. The report says the extended duration of outdoor sheltering had major implications for the parks, which it says “were not designed for such purposes.”
According to the report to be presented to council on Sept. 9, the city’s iconic Beacon Hill Park suffered the most damage, with 90 manicured and natural spaces affected by shelters that remained in place 24 hours a day in 2020 and 2021.
In order to restore the most heavily damaged areas, parks staff have developed a multi-year program. Beginning in 2022, restoration efforts will focus on the city’s vast natural park areas, including rare and sensitive ecological areas.
The price tag for the three year restoration program is pegged at $535,000.
“I’m actually surprised it’s not more,” said Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps. “Staff have done a really thorough assessment, so I’m surprised it’s not more. I’m glad it’s not more.”
At the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, many of the agencies providing shelter to Victoria’s homeless population were forced to close to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Victoria city councillors voted to allow people to shelter in parks as a way to self-isolate during the pandemic. As shelter space was made available through the government housing programs, council voted to end 24-hour camping in parks as of May 1, 2021.
“Its very expensive to have people living in public spaces, because they’re not homes,” said Helps. “That’s why we need to get people in to housing.”
The report goes on to say the shelters remaining in place 24 hours a day led to substantial impact to the parks, such as soil compaction and contamination.
Helps says work has already begun to repair and restore some of the manicured areas by reseeding lawns. She says work to remove invasive species and ensure the parks’ biodiversity is intact, in addition to the repair of culturally sensitive areas, will take more time to complete.
“It’s expensive, but it is work that will be done over the next few years,” said Helps. “Staff is really just bringing it before council for our information. There’s no decision requested, (the remediation) will just become part of the work that they do.”
Work for repairs and remediation in the damaged parks is expected to be complete in late 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.