Gamers unite in gamemaking marathon Page A8
NEWS: City looks at future of Burnside Gorge /A3 ARTS: Belfry Theatre gets dramatic in The Valley /A5 SPORTS: Netball coach shares passion with youth /A19
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Fairfield residents oppose supportive housing project Pamela Roth Victoria News
With shelters in Victoria operating at a 120 per cent capacity, the need for supportive housing has never been stronger. But Don McTavish with the Victoria Cool Aid Society believes they may have found the perfect building to provide more housing and ease the strain on city shelters. The former Mount Edwards Court Care Home in Fairfield is now being eyed by Cool Aid for a low barrier, supportive housing project. Located at 1002 Vancouver St., the facility was formerly used as an 80-room residential building for seniors. One of the many reasons it appeals to Cool Aid is that it has a courtyard for clients
to relax outside and feel part of the community, and the building is already set up with small units complete with two-piece bathrooms, staff rooms, a built-in kitchen, dining area and lounge. “Renovations to a building like this aren’t that difficult to do because it’s already laid out in such a way that people can have their own small spaces,” said McTavish, adding the building is close to amenities resident already frequent downtown. “It’s a pretty good fit. It’s similar to what we would build if we have the choice, plus it’s been in the neighbourhood for a long time... There’s not many buildings like this around.” PlEASE SEE: Low barrier housing, Page A3
Support growing to make Victoria a sanctuary city Kendra Wong Victoria News
Don Denton/Victoria News
Buddhist boxer Harley, a four-year-old boxer waits for his owner outside the Bodhichitta Buddhist Centre on Blanshard Street.
THE
Support is growing in the community to make Victoria a sanctuary city for undocumented immigrants in Canada. Last week, Victoria Coun. Jeremy Loveday facilitated a public forum with community groups and residents about the benefits and potential barriers
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of Victoria becoming Canada’s next sanctuary city, behind Hamilton, Ont. In a sanctuary city, municipal employees don’t enforce federal immigration laws, usually by not allowing police or municipal employees to inquire about an individual’s immigration status or reporting them to the Canada Border Services Agency.
More than 130 people attended the first discussion at city hall, including members from the Intercultural Association of Greater Victoria, the Greater Victoria Public Library, the school board and Victoria police, many of whom were in favour of the idea. PlEASE SEE: Sanctuary city, Page A3
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