It was moving day Monday for many of the people camping in Victoria parks.
The Russell Street transitional shelter in Vic West opened to 30 people after the May 1 deadline passed prohibiting all-day camping in city parks.
The facility has room for 60 residents and features individual and couples pods, a laundry room, showers, outdoor courtyards and a secure storage area.
READ MORE: All-day camping will continue to be allowed for people awaiting indoor spaces, city says
Residents will receive three meals a day and have access to two overdose prevention strategies on-site.
The City of Victoria said it expects most of the people currently living in parks will be moved out by the middle of the month. It has previously said that while it plans to enforce the new ban on all-day camping, it is assuring a “measured approach” to enforcement and that people awaiting spaces will still be permitted to camp until they’re housed.
The temporary shelter will remain open for 18 months and can be extended for an additional six months.
B.C. Housing says it will engage the community on a redevelopment proposal for supportive housing that will be built there later on.
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