August 26, 2021—Ha-Shilth-Sa—Page 17
Port Alberni receives more than $400K for unsheltered Provincial and federal funding will allow vulnerable people to have greater access to local services for support By Karly Blats Ha-Shilth-Sa Contributor Port Alberni, BC - The City of Port Alberni has been granted more than $440,000 in joint provincial and federal funding for a multi-faceted approach to improving the health and safety of unsheltered people experiencing homelessness in the area. The funding will allow vulnerable people in Port Alberni to have greater access to local services which will help tackle homelessness as the community recovers from the impacts of the pandemic, said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid-Island Pacific Rim and minister of municipal affairs, in a press release. “People in Port Alberni work hard every day to make our community a brighter, more welcoming place to live,” Osborne said. “We’re supporting the city’s work to connect vulnerable people with important services, and working towards a community where everyone is safe and healthy.” Osborne says this investment is part of the Union of BC Municipalities’ (UBCM) Strengthening Communities Program which is providing support to 48 communities across B.C. Over $76 million will support local governments to combat the impacts of homelessness and keep their communities safe and healthy as they
Photo by Karly Blats
The City of Port Alberni has received more than $400,000 in funding for improving the health and safety of unsheltered people experiencing homelessness in the area. Provide seven day-a-week coverage for most,” Osborne said. “These grants recover from the pandemic. a 12-month period for homeless liaison “Local governments have been on the will provide local governments with a staffing to attend at interactions between much-needed boost to continue vital front lines of the pandemic, supporting services that were strained because of the homeless people and city staff and/or communities and continuing to provide RCMP. The purpose of this coverage is pandemic. This is another StrongerBC critical services when people need them program focused on making life better for to represent the needs of the homeless in people and ensuring communities emerge those interactions and connect the homeless person with support agencies from the pandemic even stronger than Temporary employment for homeless before.” people providing value to the participants Port Alberni city council voted to apply for this funding at a council meeting back and the community Outreach programming for homeless in April. youth City CAO Tim Pley said the municipalOperate a Drop In Center complete with ity’s goal is that city council will receive a staff report on the grant funding at washrooms, showers and laundry facilitheir next meeting on Sept. 7. At that time ties Pley said more details for these projects council will consider issuing a Request will be provided when council receives a for Proposals for groups and agencies to staff report on Sept. 7. undertake one or more of the following scopes of work:
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A small wildfire was discovered near Bamfield on Aug. 12.
Small wildfire controlled By Melissa Renwick Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A wildfire near Poett Nook was soon considered low risk after a Western Forest Products fire watch crew responded by applying 1,200 gallons of water to the blaze Aug. 12, according to a release by Huu-ay-aht First Nation. The 10-square metre ground fire occurred on treaty settlement lands that are under a standing timber purchase agreement with Western Forest Products, near Bamfield. “The crew watched the fire location Thursday evening to ensure it did not re-ignite, with 1,000 gallons of water on site,” read the release. Currently, the fire danger rating in the Coastal Fire Centre area is high to extreme, meaning new fires will start easily, spread rapidly, and challenge firefighting efforts. On Friday, Aug. 13. Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for West Vancouver Island warning about air quality.
“Many regions of southern and central B.C. are being impacted or are likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24 [to] 48 hours,” read the statement. “Wildfire smoke is a natural part of our environment, but it is important to be mindful that exposure to smoke may affect your health.” Smoke was drifting from the interior of B.C. as well as from the U.S., which currently has fires along the west coast, says the B.C. wildfire service. As of Aug. 24, there were 246 wildfires burning in B.C., contributing to a total of 862,782 hectares that have burned since April 1. “Wildfire smoke is a constantly-changing mixture of particles and gases which includes many chemicals that can harm your health,” says Environment Canada. As a heatwave swept across the province in mid August, with daytime highs ranging from 29 to 35 degrees Celsius, hot and dry conditions were expected to increase wildfire risk. To report a wildfire, you can call: 1-800663-5555 or *5555 on a cell .
Blair Park 5905 Pineo Rd
