In January 2008, in response to community concerns, the Province and the City of Victoria reached an agreement to expedite the creation of just over 170 new and upgraded housing units in three locations to reduce homelessness.

Victoria Memorandum of Understanding
The Memorandum of Understanding between the Province and the City of Victoria proposes to build over 170 units of new and upgraded social and supportive housing in Victoria. The new housing developments will be created on three sites: 950 Humboldt Street, 525 Ellice Street and 1634 Store Street (Streetlink/Swift House).

The Province will pay all costs to design the housing through to the issuance of development and building permits, including consultant fees and disbursements for the three sites. The Province will also arrange all capital and operating funding.

The City of Victoria will designate a staff member to ensure the municipal approval process is expedited on a fast-track basis, and will meet the costs of all development permit fees, development cost charges and other municipal fees and charges for these projects.

The provincial contribution to pay for pre-development costs is part of a $41 million commitment to help break the cycle of homelessness that was announced on October 12, 2007. It builds on the provincial housing strategy, Housing Matters BC, announced in October 2006. The Province has allocated $360 million this year towards shelters and affordable housing.

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