After the closure of Tiny Town in October, the future of the structures was up in the air, and now BC Housing has confirmed it is in the process of purchasing the structures.
Tiny Town was a supportive housing complex made of shipping containers that operated on Caledonia Avenue for years. The licence was set to expire at the end of September, but was granted a short extension as new housing for the residents had not opened.
In October, the remaining 12 residents moved into housing at 1075 Meares Street, and Tiny Town turned into a ghost town.
READ PREVIOUS: 48 homes open in Victoria for young adults experiencing homelessness
Now, BC Housing has confirmed to CHEK News it is in the process of purchasing the Tiny Town units, and is working on a plan for how to use them.
“BC Housing can confirm it is in the process of purchasing the tiny homes on Caledonia Avenue in Victoria from the Alliance to End Homelessness in the capital region,” a statement by BC Housing says.
“Given the ongoing and urgent need for housing for people experiencing and at risk of homelessness across the Province, we are currently working on a plan for the units and will provide more information when we can.”
Tiny Town has capacity for 40 residents and were operated by Our Place Society while it was open between May 2021 and October 2023.
READ PREVIOUS: ‘Kinda sad to see it shutting down’: Victoria’s Tiny Town needs a home
Victoria’s police chief, Del Manak, has stated he hopes that his department will be consulted on the future placement of the homes.
“The new Tiny Town location matters. Critical the selection of the new location include @vicpdcanada input to address any public safety concerns,” Manak said on Twitter. “A few locations are over saturated & should be off limits if @BC_Housing wants success. Let’s work together & do it the right way.”
The new Tiny Town location matters. Critical the selection of the new location include @vicpdcanada input to address any public safety concerns. A few locations are over saturated & should be off limits if @BC_Housing wants success. Let’s work together & do it the right way. https://t.co/SFwWtRcCLH
— Del Manak (@ChiefManak) October 28, 2023
Laura Brougham
