The circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic may give rise to new challenges pertaining to homeless populations within the jurisdictions of local governments. Although decisions of British Columbia Supreme Court over the last two years have clarified and confirmed that responsibility for homelessness lies with the Province and not with local governments, it is recognized for practical purposes that municipalities and regional districts are most often the level of government most directly impacted by homelessness. While the law which has arisen from the decisions of the Courts has general application across the Province, the circumstances and experience of each local government are different, as will be the response. We have been deeply involved in these issues for the past number of years and are in a position to provide you with efficient, summary advice relating to this issue. For more information contact Jeff Locke at [email protected]
