Duncan Mayor Michelle Staples hopes 2025 will see the provincial and federal governments increase their investments in housing to address the issues of homelessness and the opioid crisis.
Staples says there is a huge deficit of purpose built, below market affordable places and the lack of commitment from upper levels of government creates a challenge.
However, she says it wouldn’t be as challenging if the government would bring back proper investment in affordable housing.
“They did it in the 70s, they can do it again, and in the meantime we need things in between, we need subsidies in between so that people don’t lose the housing that they have while we build purpose built housing.”
She says during the pandemic there was a crisis, and all levels of government responded quickly to get everyone housed in Cowichan Valley communities for a number of months.
She says Duncan will continue to advocate for more spending on housing projects, temporary shelters, and support services for individuals struggling with addiction.
Looking back at 2024, Mayor Staples says the completion of a new playground at Centennial Park, and securing funding for the Village are among the positive things that happened.
As for 2025, Staples says throughout the region communities are connected and working together on building economic development.
She says Duncan has a vibrant downtown, a vibrant market, amazing festivals, and is an incredible community.
