Time for Parksville to Step Up: Responding to Mayor Alto’s Call for Local Winter Shelters

As the chill of winter approaches on Vancouver Island, the conversation around supporting our most vulnerable residents—particularly those experiencing poverty and homelessness—has taken center stage. Victoria’s Mayor Marianne Alto has issued a passionate plea to municipalities across the region, urging each community to take responsibility for its own citizens by establishing winter shelters and warming stations. This call, rooted in the recognition that homelessness is a shared challenge, not just an urban one, resonates deeply here in Parksville. It’s time for our Mayor and Council to respond affirmatively and lead by example.

Mayor Alto’s statements highlight a critical imbalance in how extreme weather support is distributed. In a recent council meeting, she emphasized that “it is long past time for other municipalities in the region to stand up and provide support for their own residents.”  She pointed out that Victoria has long shouldered a disproportionate burden, with most emergency shelters concentrated in the capital while other areas contribute minimally. This isn’t just about fairness; it’s about saving lives during harsh winter conditions, where temperatures can drop to dangerous levels, exacerbating health risks for the unhoused.

While Alto’s direct appeals have been aimed at Capital Region municipalities like Saanich, Oak Bay, and Esquimalt—many of which have yet to fully commit to their own facilities—the principle extends island-wide.  Vancouver Island’s interconnected communities, from Victoria in the south to Parksville and beyond in the north, face similar seasonal challenges. Homelessness doesn’t respect municipal boundaries; individuals often migrate to larger centers like Victoria for services, straining resources there. By setting up local warming stations and shelters, Parksville can ensure that our residents receive care closer to home, reducing the need for such migrations and fostering a more equitable system across the island.

Focusing on the poor and vulnerable, as Alto advocates, aligns with Parksville’s values of compassion and community support. Our town, known for its beautiful beaches and retiree-friendly atmosphere, is not immune to poverty. Local data shows a growing number of individuals facing housing insecurity, influenced by rising costs and limited affordable options. Establishing winter shelters—perhaps in partnership with non-profits, churches, or community centers—could provide essential warmth, meals, and connections to social services during cold snaps. Warming stations, activated when temperatures hit thresholds like 0°C with precipitation or below -4°C, could be simple yet effective: portable tents, heated buses, or designated indoor spaces equipped with basic amenities.

The benefits extend beyond humanitarian grounds. Proactive measures can prevent emergency room overloads, as seen in Victoria where cold-related health issues spike in winter. By caring for our own, Parksville can build stronger community resilience, encourage volunteer involvement, and even attract provincial funding for such initiatives. Mayor Alto has offered her city’s model as a blueprint, inviting others to “steal from us” and adapt it— a generous starting point for our Council to consider.

To date, responses from other areas have been mixed, with some, like Saanich, planning limited spaces while others, such as Sidney, have outright rejected proposals due to community pushback.  Parksville has an opportunity to distinguish itself by acting decisively. Our Mayor and Council should convene discussions immediately, engaging residents, service providers like the Salvation Army or local food banks, and even reaching out to neighboring Qualicum Beach for collaborative efforts.

In the spirit of island-wide solidarity, let’s heed Mayor Alto’s call. By establishing our own winter shelters and warming stations, Parksville not only supports its citizens but contributes to a more compassionate Vancouver Island. The time to act is now—before the first frost reminds us of the human cost of inaction. Mayor and Council, the community is watching and ready to support you in this vital endeavor.

Donations can be made by e-transfer to:

MannaParksville@gmail.com 

Or  cheques can be sent to:

Manna Homeless Society

P.O. Box 389

Errington BC VOR 1VO