Carolina Ibarra

My take on the proposed RTA changes. I appreciate @ravikahlon.bsky.social being open to creating the opportunity and @christineboyle.bsky.social for willingness to carry the findings forward into these proposed changes. #bcpoli #housing

“…it has worked — people are off the streets, getting their lives together and some of them are back in the workforce.

“Is this not what every political party, everybody on every end of the political spectrum is demanding? Why on earth would this be the site that gets shut down?” #bcpoli #housing

can’t prevent the loss of SH units to be replaced by parking lots, there’s little hope for BC. I personally don’t lay responsibility on the munis. But where do we find leadership to work collaboratively through problems to get stuff done? These sites don’t even face opposition… with much respect.

Councillor, I think the bigger concern is the pattern in Victoria and Nanaimo where it seems the Cities and the Province aren’t able to overcome administrative barriers. If the 2 munis that in my opinion are the biggest #housing champions, both facing humanitarian disasters in their downtown cores,

It’s been 10 months since the suspected homicide at a @pacificahousing.bsky.social site. Here is a recap leading to the incident, the aftermath, the bright spots & a renewed call for legislative change. SH is a lifesaver and operators must be able to keep it safe. #bcpoli mailchi.mp/pacificahous...

“Some of these guys, as I said, got jobs and stuff now, and they haven’t had jobs for a long time. Some of these guys are trying really hard…” said Shirley a Nikao resident. Is this not what everyone is asking to see? Instead we will have a parking lot. #bcpoli

In this case I don’t blame the City. And I will stop there for now. Need to regroup and communicate with staff and residents. It is dire and as a resident put it - terrorism to the soul.

@pacificahousing.bsky.social will be fine and will continue to do its work but this slide backwards is beyond comprehension … but unsurprising I suppose. Now Keep in mind Nanaimo has a serious #homelessness problem. #housing #bcpoli #homelessness

@pacificahousing.bsky.social will be fine but this slide backwards is beyond comprehension but unsurprising I suppose. Now Keep in mind Nanaimo has a serious #homelessness problem. #housing #bcpoli #homelessness

The disrespect for everyone is unspeakable @christineboyle.bsky.social . A journalist told me today that it really seems like the Non Profit sector got left in the dust. Sounds about right. So did everyone we employ and support. Can’t wait to hear what’s next (sarcasm).

And that BC Housing was well aware. I have been following up with them and the Ministry for months. So now, residents, staff and yours truly find out like this. And they say “evicted” because there is no suitable place in Nanaimo for 66 high acuity people who have worked hard to stabilize.

And in more extraordinary #housing news, we just found out via @cheknews.ca that
“As part of the construction, the city will be evicting those living at the supportive housing right beside the public works yard, which was first opened in 2018.” #bcpoli 🧵

Chart showing Victoria hosting almost all shelter and supportive housing units in the capital region with several municipalities hosting zero

Homeless shelters and supportive housing are needed. It might be time for the advocates to take a look at what's being done in other cities in this region, including their own cities.

More accurately, what's not being done.
davethompsonvictoria.ca/is-your-muni...
#homelessness #yyj

Postcards From Helsinki: What Canada Can Learn About Ending Homelessness YouTube video by On The Way Home

Canada needs a disaster recovery plan for #homelessness & #housing. A timely podcast reflecting on learnings from Finland. We touch upon progress, along w the long term political commitment & shifts needed for a sustainable housing system. #canpoli #bcoolin #bcpoli youtu.be/25drzynLHJQ?...

I’m conflicted abt criticizing Minister @brendavancouver.bsky.social budget bc serious action was needed… probly more than we got. But some contents & gvt selling points are confusing. It’ll come down to how it’s implemented. Hope they’ll engage at least on #housing. @christineboyle.bsky.social

I am hopeful to see these materialize Minister. It has been confusing few days in the housing world. This would certainly be a welcome development at least in the Supportive Housing realm.

The weirdest thing is using the term to explain a cost-saving measure. It is common knowledge that a delayed project is a much more expensive or no longer financially feasible project.

Packed room for The Chamber’s conversation on Budget 2026 with Minister @brendavancouver.bsky.social

have been postponed year after year because funds have run out each fiscal. Yes hard choices needed to be made but building deterioration will not pause… a plan is still required.

$ previously committed to Community Housing Fund was rolled back too… after so many NPOs responded to an RFP and got projects shovel ready as requested. So much money sunk into those including by the province. I wonder what will happen to capital projects that also have received $ but

I suspect there are more service cuts at IH than people realize - even if funding is not the primary reason given. These services are critical to helping vulnerable individuals remain stable & ERs working as they should. #housingfirst requires #health. #bcpoli

I wonder if Canadian law has something like this: “ It remains illegal to discriminate against people on the basis of receiving treatment or health services related to their addiction. “

Support….

Translife line 1-877-330-6366 is a peer support service run by trans people, for trans and questioning callers.

translifeline.org/hotline/

Never heard an album or seen a show that captures LatAm so well… the music, dancing, melancholy, sadness, joy, love, debauchery, defiance & resistance. More cultural references for PR and all latinos than can be counted- down to the plastic chairs. Will not be muted for others’ comfort. ❤️

This has clearly ceased to be a city issue. Smaller communities are seeing the same issues, same patterns. #housingfirst #housing #homelessness

For those who are running with eyes wide open, thank you for your willingness to step up. It is a time of uncertainty and great opportunity to reset. #bcpoli #elections

Action may be bold influence toward much larger powers. They must be willing to sit in the deep discomfort that all of that signifies and the difficult decisions it requires . Whether or not I agree with their positions, most of the municipal leaders I’ve met deeply care for their communities.

Communities believe and expect leaders to have an impact on complex systemic problems regardless of their role. We need leaders who bring strong values, are truly collaborative and are willing to take action based on the how the world is now.

an ever more complex context for municipalities, where traditional lines of responsibility are challenged by new realities. Growing frustration from #communities often results in anger directed at elected officials (all leaders really).

As individuals across #BC announce their intentions to run in the upcoming municipal elections, I commend them for doing so.
Many running for reelection, some experienced but running for Mayor for the first time and others hoping to be elected for the first time. All will face…