Jill Atkey

@jfatkey.bsky.social

Housing advocate by day and night. CEO at BCNPHA, Director at Rental Protection Fund, Community Housing Transformation Centre, Boann Social Impact, Community Housing Coverage, and Chartered Institute of Housing Canada.

With respect, something is very broken if this statement carries any logic. Somehow there is municipal revenue to be gained by paying $40K per stall to construct unused parking? Also, municipal and provincial taxpayers are the same people. And don’t get me started on the cost of homelessness.

Bild

Reversing course on the Arbutus supportive housing development isn't a surprise given Council's actions in recent months. Here were the Mayor's words in January. If this actually the plan, it would seem appropriate for the City to double down on supportive housing city-wide. So what is the plan?

On updating the Downtown Eastside Area Plan, the Mayor said: "this allows for the integration of the DTES neighbourhood into Vancouver's broader community, ensuring a more balanced, supportive environment for residents, businesses, and visitors."

Well that was a night 🫣 With the election now behind us, we now have some clarity and as always, new questions about how Federal housing policy will shape up in the years ahead. Some thoughts on what a new Liberal government will mean for housing: 👇

Semi-regular reminder from someone who sat through another five hour public hearing on affordable housing last night: No matter where you live or what type of housing you live in, people opposed your home before it was built.

There is a lot going on in the news cycle. For those still interested in housing, here are a few thoughts on #Budget2025 1. Phew! Given the economic uncertainty, we're happy that government is maintaining investment in non-profit and co-op housing, with 4,500 completions expected this year. 👇

Judy Graves spent 33 years working with the City of Vancouver - most of it as the city's advocate for homeless people. She once told me, "Everybody has a body, and they need someplace to put it." I've never forgotten that.

Bild

Imagine if the (Canadian) honorary captain of our men's national hockey team had the same courage as the (American) head coach of our men's national soccer team. Here is the controversial part: this confirms that soccer will always be the superior sport. www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/socce...

Canada coach tells Trump to lay off ‘ridiculous rhetoric’ of Canada as a 51st state

‘As an American, I’m ashamed of the arrogance and disregard that we’ve shown one of our historically oldest, strongest and most loyal allies,’ Marsch said

theglobeandmail.com

It shouldn't be necessary, but the most impactful speakers against Mayor Sim's no net new supportive housing motion are those with lived experience. Here is someone who was formerly homeless showing Council how people stay warm when homeless in winter. He's holding up a burnt piece of wood.

Bild

Supportive housing is evidence-based and non-partisan. Not long ago, people experiencing homelessness had to "graduate" into housing - they couldn't get housing if they used substances or had a mental illness. How can you recover from anything without a home? Read on 👇

Harper Government Invests in Evidence-Based Housing First Homelessness initiatives in the Vancouver area - Canada.ca

The Harper Government is investing more than $41 million in funding through Metro Vancouver as it implements Housing First, a proven, evidence-based approach to end homelessness. The announcement was ...

canada.ca

Here is today's bright spot: Congratulations to New West, for doubling-down on your commitments to supportive housing and wrap around services. To the municipality with the second most supportive housing units per capita in the region - thank you for your leadership!

Patrick Johnstone@pjnewwest.bsky.social · 2y ago

Proud to work with a Council and skilled staff who are willing to take action while others say we should just sweep problems under the rug or hope they disappear. This is why we do this work - to support our community #NewWest www.patrickjohnstone.ca/2025/02/acti...