BURST
Non-profit housing leaders are calling for a ban on weapons in supportive housing projects following a suspected homicide at Waterview supportive housing in Victoria last month.
A police major crimes unit is investigating the death of a man discovered by firefighters at about 10 a.m. on April 26 as they were putting out a fire at the 49-unit residence. Waterview, at Gorge Road East and Washington Avenue, is operated by Pacifica Housing.
The deceased man’s girlfriend, Victoria Leonard, identified the victim as 34-year-old Keith Scott, who also went by Keith Kobzey.
Leonard said they shared her private residence and Scott did not live in the supportive housing unit — for individuals who are homelessness or at risk — where he was found.
“He was just a kind, caring, very sweet person, he’s like a big teddy bear,” Leonard said on Wednesday, noting the two enjoyed camping and hiking.
“We just loved each other so much,” she said, adding Scott was a father to a young girl. “We had a really good life.”
The call for an “immediate ban on weapons and other changes to help housing operators enhance the safety and security of their residents, staff and surrounding communities” will be addressed Thursday at a news conference at the Parkside Hotel.
Speakers include Micheal Vonn, CEO of PHS Community Services Society; Carolina Ibarra, chief executive officer of Pacifica Housing; and Bob Hughes, executive officer of Ask Wellness Society for people experiencing homelessness, mental health, and substance use challenges.
The leaders are representing the B.C. Coalition for Safe and Sustainable Supportive Housing, a collection of 21 supportive housing providers in the province.
The group did not want to expand further on the need for such a ban and how it would be implemented and enforced ahead of the news conference.
B.C. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon called the death a tragic incident that’s “distressing for neighbours and residents” and said his heart goes out to the family involved.
While the government won’t comment on an ongoing criminal investigation, “we can confirm we have worked with B.C. Housing to enhance safety at the Gorge Road site and made changes to the Residential Tenancy Act last year to address concerns around guest management in supportive housing facilities,” Kahlon said in a statement.
“We are committed to continue working with the sector and continue to explore ways to strengthen the safety of residents and staff.”
Victoria police have reported several calls to supportive housing facilities over the years where weapons were found.
Victoria Police Chief Del Manak said Wednesday the department fully supports measures that enhance safety and accountability at supportive housing buildings and prohibiting weapons in these facilities is “a common-sense approach.
“Unfortunately, we know from experience that individuals involved in criminal activity often seek to embed themselves in vulnerable communities, using these environments to exploit residents and perpetuate harm,” Manak said in a statement.
In some cases, residents arm themselves with various weapons for self-protection, creating a cycle of increased risk. ”This is simply unacceptable,” said Manak. “Taking steps to prevent weapons from entering these facilities is a critical part of protecting those who live and work there.”
Julian Daly, CEO of Our Place Society, said he too supports a ban.
“We ban lethal weapons at all our housing sites already and evict people immediately who are found in possession of them; we’ve done this for years.”