By Tan Mei-Xi

After a protracted council meeting that spanned two days, Vancouver city council has passed a motion directing city staff to research and report back on five options for providing shelter to unhoused Vancouver residents.

The motion saw extensive debate and amendments, and was divided for voting on separate sections of the motion. For the section that directed city staff to research shelter options, all councillors were in favour except for Councillor Melissa de Genova who voted in opposition.

Councillor Rebecca Bligh moved an amendment that directed city staff to research how the city could facilitate BC Housing and Vancouver Coastal Health in creating an intake process for those seeking housing. However, during the council meeting, some unhoused residents had expressed discomfort with BC Housing operation protocols. When asked about issues that could arise, given the negative perception of BC Housing of some residents, Bligh noted that council is early in learning about this dynamic.

"I don't really have an answer in terms of what we need to do," said Bligh, "but I think it's an emerging conversation and we need to lean into this conversation as elected officials with BC Housing to find out where we're letting people down in this situation."

City staff are due to report back by Oct. 2 on their findings of the feasibility of the 5 options outlined by council.

"[October 2nd] is when the real work starts," said Bligh.