Helsinki sunrise.

Being in Finland is helping me understand Canada and in particular BC’s issues through a comparative lens. Basically, the Finnish success is what you get with 40 years of mostly uninterrupted investment in affordable #housing. It’s what you get when there are goals like

This morning I went for a jog in #Helsinki. I’m here to check out first hand how they deliver and operate #housingfirst… and ask many many questions. Thanks to CHRA for organizing & to the Y-Foundation (Y-Säätiö) for hosting. Really looking forward to getting started. #housing

Was out with the pup before 6 am, the sky was as clear as could be with the moon and stars so visible. A street lamp was too bright for the picture to turn out. When I looked down 2 deer were staring at me. What a city to live in #yyj. #beautifulbc

On the topic of rental increase limits that don’t keep a pace with costs … I know it’s hard to take a landlord’s word for it, but let’s look at it from an equity lens. #housing 🧵

A foggy sunrise on the harbour #yyj #beautifulbc

When someone wakes up before 6 am with the energy of a lit firecracker (not me), they get walked/jogged to the Breakwater… I’ll admit I benefit too. #yyj #VancouverIand #beautifulbc

We need input from the cycling community, and others, on where to place our “parking zones” for the e-bike share program. Please provide input. @erikwdv.bsky.social @sarahfrumento.bike @kellyblack.ca @sv-rub-a-dub.bsky.social @raynarambling.bsky.social @bromptonymous.ca engage.victoria.ca/bikeshare

Stay engaged! Here are three quick ways to start: 1. Stay in the know - follow our socials for real stories and updates 2. Read a 2-minute story-about what housing stability looks like - bit.ly/4mLK0Q1 3. Subscribe to our e-newsletter - bit.ly/3TKE9gI?r=lp... #NationalNonprofitDay #HousingFirst

Another bright spot in #housing is the number of more appropriately resourced new supportive housing sites delivered & in process in #BC, the commitment to harm reduction & the willingness to try a different model like @PacificaHousing ‘s Sparrow. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...

One of the bright spots in #housing over the last 8 to 10 years is the large number non market units funded and delivered in #BC. The provincial government is largely responsible for this success due to its unwavering support for non profits and its commitment to significantly increasing stock.

This article captures the complexity of the financial situation for both subsidized independent living #affordable #housing & supportive #housing. Regardless of the reasons insufficient resources ultimately compromise safety. #bcpoli www.vicnews.com/local-news/d...

Good morning #Victoria. #yyj

Thank goodness everyone is ok. The Fire Department has been fantastic beyond the dealing with the structure.

Been reflecting on what I’d like to see for supportive #housing by the end of 2025. I envision a clear path forward that balances safety, housing first & harm reduction for today’s reality. & more opportunity to move out of SH along the continuum. One can visualize & hope.

Walked through the @pacificahousing.bsky.social DOHRS office this am on my way to buy a coffee. Our intake worker asked a senior looking for support where he was staying right now. He said “nowhere”. That has stuck with me all day. The team has had 400+ interactions this mo. #housing

Holy turnout to #deucedays. #Victoria #yyj

I am open and honest about the challenges in supportive #housing and #homelessness serving sector because I believe in the work. I also believe things can be better while sticking to core principles like Housing First and harm reduction. We can find a way.

On the heels of this announcement, I received a text about heavy police presence at one of our supportive #housing sites. “ERT on site. suspected gun.” A “guest” I hear later… an “enforcer type.” #bcpoli 🧵 globalnews.ca/news/1126777...

So, a 🧵 about this fork in the road…I’m asked what the right path looks like. Well, it’s a dynamic, flexible & practical path so that we can adapt to changes. It involves actually creating a system that supports people bc rn there is no system. It addresses the urgent & works on long term.

Our world has changed. It has been shifting for some time, but in so many areas it seems like we’ve reached a fork in the road. A tipping point. Here’s a short 🧵 on where I think we are at. #health, #housing, #bcpoli and #canpoli

“A second resolution calls for the province to deliver more supportive rental housing ensuring each project has the proportionate number of detox beds and appropriate treatment facilities...” Yes, we need the whole system with appropriate rental #housing for after. #bcpoli

Unfortunately it’s not unusual to get diff. messaging from the Minister, the Ministry & BCH. BCH almost always says there’s no money even for something announced, or whatever concept can’t be done or was already done. The Ministry can go either way but will always defer to BCH to administer. #bcpoli

Went for a stroll downtown yesterday evening & government street & the harbour were absolutely packed. There was great energy. I thought what a good reminder it was that #Victoria is still one of the most charming cities in #Canada, despite its challenges. Worth the hard conversations. #yyj #bcpoli

There are big challenges - no doubt. The question I have on the ask for enforcement is, where will people go? & expansion of treatment is much needed, but after, where will people go? When the answer is available is when real positive change will take root. #housing #health #bcpoli #yyj

The City of Nanaimo completed a new Pride mural at the Commercial Street and Bastion Street intersection in time for this year's Pride parade.

An absolutely perfect day to celebrate Pride in #Nanaimo . So great to see it grow every year. @pacificahousing.bsky.social #pridemonth2025

Ready for #Nanaimo Pride!

A nice day to lay on a lawn #BC #Victoria #VancouverIsland #Bostonterrier

Let’s talk numbers. Much has been debated about the state of Pandora & how many people remain on the block since the report from The Globe and Mail. This @victorianews.bsky.social article shows the differences in #s reported. So who is right? 🧵#yyj #bcpoli #housing www.vicnews.com/local-news/b...

“[Housing providers] are asked to do a very difficult job. If they’re asking … [for] tools to help keep their … staff safe and keep residents safe, then we need to be listening to what their concerns are and working with them and giving them the tools they’re asking for.” #bcpoli #housing

It is unconscionable that supportive #housing staff are expected to work in these conditions. I spoke to my colleagues at Cool Aid & this site has even less staff than our Waterview (suspected homicide) for 50 people. 🧵 www.timescolonist.com/local-news/l...

The theme of the weekend is rest and recharge. Spending it like:

So, what I gleaned of Minister Fraser when he oversaw the #housing portfolio is that he is very smart and says things as they are. Also very effective (read immigration) to the detriment of other areas unprepared (read housing). I am curious what his assessment of #BC s claim that bail reform 1/2

Everyone deserves safety — at home, at work, and in community. After a tragic incident at one of our sites, we’re joining BC supportive housing providers in calling for urgent changes to protect residents, neighbours & staff. Read more: bit.ly/4iVVZrM #SupportiveHousing #BCPoli

This past weekend was a heavy weekend.

It’s almost election day in Canada. Here is a short 🧵 on things I’d like to see for #housing: 1) Simple access to very low financing for non profits to build. Remove all the ridiculous targets and requirements to accessing funding that make things unbuildable. #canpoli

Trade wars and currency fluctuations generate winners and losers and more losers. But it’s going to be a very good year for tourism in Victoria. #happyeaster #yyj #bcpoli #beautifulbc #travel #vancouverisland

I read the tree pollen count is high this week. #yyj #spring #shadesofpink #victoria #vancouverisland #beautifulbc

A good week for female leadership. I’ve heard very good things about incoming Chief Wilson. A loss for Vancouver, a gain for Victoria.

The panel I enjoyed the most from #beyondthenoise last week was the one on the media’s role in framing the #housing crisis. It was incredibly interesting to hear the perspectives & reflections on public trust. I kind of knew what to expect but it was more. #media #journalism

So many good quotes in this clip. #housing #bcpoli

Last Friday, @pacificahousing.bsky.social launched the first #beyondthenoise session open to the public. Teri, A Songhees Nation elder started us off in a good a way & shared her own #housing struggles. That certainly brought the purpose of the entire event series front and center #bcpoli

We @pacificahousing.bsky.social kicked-off our Beyond the Noise series last week. We started off with a reception to help us recenter on the important topics of #housing and #homelessness after so much noise over the past few months.

Agreed. We still don’t have clarity on what worked and what didn’t and that’s important to any policy decision that’s going to save lives. Because there have absolutely been positive outcomes as well as negative ones. #bcpoli www.timescolonist.com/opinion/edit...

It’s hard not to think this has something to do with some of the miscalculations like vowing to freeze new supportive #housing when it’s so clearly needed. #vanpoli

⏰ Last chance to join us April 4 for Beyond the Noise! Tickets close tonight and there are only a few spots left. Don’t miss these powerful conversations on supportive housing and how media shapes the housing narrative. 🎟 bit.ly/43K6x9q #BeyondTheNoise #HousingMatters

Today is the last day to register for this event. It will be very interesting. #housing