City Of Courtenay Calls For Urgent Action On Housing

The City of Courtenay has issued an urgent call to action to deal with a housing crisis.

The city has revealed figures from the 2023 Homeless Count for the Comox Valley, which analyzes the latest numbers and key demographics for those who are experiencing homelessness, as well as the root causes behind their housing loss.

The results show the number of people experiencing homelessness in the Comox Valley is more than double the number in 2020, increasing from 132 to 272.

Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells says the increase in numbers is saddening, but not surprising.

“These results clearly show that the lack of affordable housing is a leading cause of homelessness,” said Wells.

“This is why we have been actively working with the province to bring more subsidized and supportive housing to our community, as well as additional shelter space. We’re also advocating for increased mental health and substance use supports to address the tragic impacts of the unregulated toxic drug supply. We are so grateful to local outreach organizations who are working incredibly hard to support the growing number of unhoused in our community.”

In the count, an individual was defined as experiencing homelessness if they did not have a place of their own where they paid rent and could expect to stay for at least 30 days.

Of the total, 35% were considered unsheltered, including those staying at someone else’s place, outside, or in a vehicle.

The majority of unhoused individuals in the Comox Valley, 92%, have been in the community for more than one year, and 66% for more than five years, with 16% always having been in the community.

The 2023 count was completed in Courtenay, Comox, and Cumberland over the course of a night and day in March by the Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness, with support from local agencies, volunteers, and provincial partners.

The count represents a snapshot in time and is likely an undercount as many people who are unhoused are not easily accessible or visible.

Other key concerns include the increase in Indigenous Peoples experiencing homelessness.
27% of respondents identified as Indigenous, increasing from 20% in 2020, and far greater than the 7% reflected in Census population results.

67% of Indigenous-identifying respondents reported having lived or generational experience with residential school.

“We all need to remember that these are more than just statistics,” added Wells.

“Each of these numbers is a person. Housing is a human right, and these numbers will continue to rise without urgent action. We need to continue working together on solutions across all levels of government to make sure everyone who needs one has a roof over their head.”

To learn more, visit City of Courtenay.