A Victoria business woman says she’s stuck in a loop with the city when it comes to crime and encampments in front of her business.
Kristen Stannix is the owner of Heirloom Linens and says she and her staff are starting to feel unsafe entering and exiting their warehouse on Discovery Street.
“It has been a problem in the past before and the same story continues with the City of Victoria that you report and nothing happens and then you report it and nothing happens,” said Stannix.
Stannix told CHEK News the only way she’s had Victoria bylaw officers show up in the past was when she called the police to help with the encampment in front of her business.
Watch the story in the video below:
In a statement the city confirmed that bylaw officers were at the tent location on Discovery Street, adding that they aren’t able to respond quickly has people would like due to high call volumes.
Stannix says that the recent relocation and re-housing efforts on Pandora by BC Housing and the city is still not enough.
“Just kicking them off Pandora is not fixing the problem. The police told me themselves it just has spread the issue to neighbouring business’ dealing exactly with what we are dealing with,” exclaimed Stannix with frustration.
BC Housing responded to the linen business owner’s concerns saying her complaints do not fall under their jurisdiction and all bylaw concerns should be reported to the City of Victoria.
BC Housing also says that 62 people were assessed by outreach workers and all of those 62 people are living in a shelter as of Oct. 31.
Stannix hopes by sharing her story, help will come for not only the unhoused, but also for residents and store owners.
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