An incident that saw a man getting stuck in a recycling truck in Courtenay shows the need for adequate housing.
Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells says many cities across the province are struggling with affordable housing, and this incident highlights that current need.
Last week a man sheltering in a commercial recycling bin got dumped into a recycling truck.
Wells says it’s fortunate there were no major injuries.
He says they continue looking for a space to locate a cold weather shelter.
“We’re pretty good on all the locations in our community that are kind-of the right size, but we are going through and vetting those,” said Wells.
“If you know of a place or have a place that is available let us know, the place should be 1500 square feet, has a couple of washrooms, and is good to go as soon as possible.”
Wells says the Comox Valley Regional District has committed over $90,000 for extreme weather response shelters for the winter and is currently vetting the Visitor Centre in Cumberland.
He adds once a location has been found, the Coalition to End Homelessness will go and make sure that it meets the criteria for space, washroom, and safety.
The Fire Department will also go in, where they will check to see if the place is safe from a fire protection standpoint.
“One of the learning things from this is making sure we keep the conversation happening and trying to be organized for the following year.”
