My Place, the supportive housing facility in Vernon (Vernon Matters file photo)

By Liam Verster

Supportive Housing Oversight

New working group to address concerns at supportive housing complexes

Jun 30, 2025 | 1:54 PM

The Government of British Columbia is taking action to address safety issues at supportive housing facilities in the province.

A new time-limited working group will be formed to respond to urgent safety issues and explore ways to remove problematic people from supportive housing under the Residential Tenancy Act.

The group, made up of stakeholders including law enforcement and supportive housing providers, will be formed in response to reports of problematic tenants and guests, second-hand exposure to fentanyl and other air quality issues, drug trafficking, and weapons and crime complaints.

“Supportive housing is a vital and successful way to help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness come indoors and access supports, instead of living on the street or in unsafe encampments,” Ravi Kahlon, Minister Housing and Municipal Affairs, stated.

“We have heard from providers that they need more authority to take action and keep people safe, and we will be working with our partners to find a path forward that ensures people can live in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment.”

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Additionally, the province said it is working to respond to “significant change to the ongoing toxic-drug crisis and its potential effect in supportive housing,” pointing specifically to how inhaling and smoking fentanyl has become the predominant substance-use issue and has created concerns about second-hand exposure.

Turning Points Collaborative Society, the agency in charge of supportive housing in Vernon, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Vernon Matters.