Public building in Victoria, B.C., to be converted into 34-bed shelter

Victoria is renovating a city-owned public works building at 2920 Bridge St. into the 34-bed Bridge Street Pathways Shelter, set to open this spring and funded for three years by provincial and municipal contributions.

The City of Victoria is converting a public works building into a 34-bed Bridge Street Pathways Shelter in partnership with the province through B.C. Housing. Officials say the shelter is being renovated now and is expected to open this spring. Access will be by referral from outreach workers, with priority for people on Pandora Avenue, Ellice Street, and nearby downtown areas. The project is part of the city's Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan and has three years of funding from provincial and municipal sources. Key details: - Location and capacity: 2920 Bridge St., a two-storey city property near Rock Bay, planned for 34 beds. - Access and timing: Move-in will be by referral and the shelter is expected to open this spring. - Operation: The non-profit Connective will operate the facility and provide on-site case management and essential services. - Funding: The shelter is funded for three years, with $6 million from the province and $700,000 from the city. Summary: Officials describe the conversion as a collaborative step to provide temporary shelter and support for people who are unhoused in downtown Victoria. The next scheduled milestone is the shelter's planned opening this spring and intake by referral from outreach workers.