B.C. homeless count shows rising numbers in 12 of 20 communities surveyed

The British Columbia government says more than half of 20 communities surveyed saw an increase in homelessness since the last count in 2023.

The Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs says in a statement that the count provides a snapshot of a community's homeless population during a 24-hour period.

It says the latest count found 12 of the 20 communities they looked at had an increase in those who were homeless, while eight saw a drop.

Many of the cities reporting higher numbers are in the Interior, including Williams Lake, Cranbrook, Merritt, Quesnel, Penticton and Salmon Arm.

But the count also shows an increase in coastal communities such as Kitimat, Squamish, Sechelt-Gibsons and Port Alberni.

Housing Minister Christine Boyle says the statement that while there are some positive results, the report shows a continued overrepresentation of Indigenous people and former foster-care children in the count.

"We know more needs to be done to help the most vulnerable members of our communities, and that's why we're building safe, secure homes and providing needed supports to help people overcome the cycle of homelessness," Boyle says in the statement.

Among the communities reporting a drop in the homeless count are Vernon, Terrace, Prince Rupert, Powell River, Campbell River and the Comox Valley.