REPORT TO COUNCIL

To:

Mayor Schaffer and Councillors

Subject

Homelessness Related Issues Report

From:

Francis Cheung, P. Eng.

Chief Administrative Officer

Date:

September 12, 2016

Report #: 16-028
File #: 0110.00
Doc #:

RECOMMENDATION:
THAT City Council receive this report for information.

PURPOSE:
The purpose of this report is to brief City Council on the costs incurred by the City to
date, to address vandalism and homelessness related issues.

POLICY:
Not applicable.

COMMENTS/ANALYSIS:
Through the various departments in the City and the RCMP, a significant amount of
effort and costs are being incurred to address homelessness related issues in the
community.
Although local governments do not have the jurisdiction or the mandate to adequately
and appropriately deal with homelessness issues such as health care, mental health,

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To: Mayor Schaffer and Councillors

Date: September 12, 2016
Subject: Vandalism and Homelessness Related Issues Expenditures Report
Page 2

social services, housing and immediate access to support programs, the homeless
individuals are on our streets and in our parks, and their activities are generating
complaints from citizens urging City Council to resolve the issues. The Province and
local governments have been allocating significant resources to dealing with
homelessness issues through pertinent ministries, social service agencies, health
authorities, housing authorities, the justice system, and police forces. However, the
existing models of health care, housing and immediate access to support programs are
often provided in an uncoordinated manner, resulting in duplication and overlapping
of efforts.
Finding successful solutions to end homelessness is not only the right thing to do
socially, it also makes economic sense. The costs to support the existing models
continue to add up, and the homeless population has not significantly reduced. If we
do not shift our current approach to dealing with homelessness, the homeless
population in British Columbia will continue to grow. The status quo approach is
simply not adequate to deal with this complex issue.
To successfully reduce and ultimately end homelessness, British Columbia will need
to take a fundamentally different approach. A comprehensive, coordinated and
sustainable province-wide homelessness strategic plan that sets out a series of actions,
timelines and financial requirements aimed at ending homelessness in the province
needs to be developed. While recognizing and supporting community-led initiatives
on homelessness, the plan must aim to coordinate province-wide efforts in a
compassionate, dignified and fiscally responsible manner. To this end, the City has
lobbied the Province to develop such a plan.
The recent court ruling where the BC Supreme Court ruled that homeless individuals
are permitted to erect shelters and sleep in the Citys parks and properties between the
hours of 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. if they cannot find shelter, limits our ability to
remove these individuals from our parks and properties. There is no question that we
are challenged to find a balance between respecting the rights of the homeless
individuals and the rights of our citizens. We recognize that citizens are frustrated and
that it appears that nothing is being done to address the homelessness situation. City
Council and City staff are equally frustrated.
City staff and the RCMP routinely inspect homeless areas for safety, unsightly
materials and fire hazards such as open air burning or fires. We continue to ask
homeless individuals to take down tents after 9:00 a.m., monitor health and safety
risks, remove garbage and unsightly materials from City parks and properties, and
enforce compliance of applicable bylaws.

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To: Mayor Schaffer and Councillors

Date: September 12, 2016
Subject: Vandalism and Homelessness Related Issues Expenditures Report
Page 3

The costs incurred to address vandalism and homelessness related issues are
significant. The costs associated with clean up and repairs are tracked through specific
accounts, while the costs associated with bylaw enforcement are based on estimated
time allocated by the bylaw officers to handle homelessness related issues.

Account
22905 Vandalism (Engineering)1
22907 Vandalism Wire Theft3
26710 Vandalism (Parks)5
26711 Vandalism Homelessness6
Total

Actual
Expenditure
as of
Sept. 12, 2016
$ 15,333.002
$ 8,089.004
$ 66,666.00
$ 33,379.00
$ 123,467.00

2016
Budget
$ 11,030.00
$ 12,210.00
$ 72,640.00
$ 7,245.00
$103,125.00

2015 Actual
Expenditure
$ 11,199.06
$ 8,266.84
$ 74,664.31
$ 23,114.35
$117,244.56

The expenditures accounted to the Vandalism (Engineering) and Vandalism

Homelessness accounts have exceeded the annual budget. An additional capital
expenditure of $26,300.007 was incurred to repair homelessness vandalism issues at
the 204th Street Overpass.
With respect to bylaw enforcement efforts, the number of homelessness complaints
received by the City was approximately 390 calls, an average of 1.5 calls per day in
2015. Prior to the overnight camp developed at Nicomekl Park on 208th Street in
1

This account is used for anything related to Vandalism. Activities covered by this account are graffiti
removal, slap tag illegal sticker removal and illegal sign removal. We also use this account for repairing
and cleaning deliberately damaged City infrastructure and street furniture.
2
Approximately 25% of the costs are related to homelessness issues.
3
This account is used when staff are dealing with any form of wire theft. We have also used this account
for the installation of wire theft prevention devices.
4
Approximately 25% of the costs are related to homelessness issues.
5
This account is used for graffiti removal, painting related to graffiti, repairs or replacement of damaged
infrastructure such as fires in washrooms, broken bathroom fixtures, light fixtures, signage, stolen or
damaged plant material or trees. Repairs to sports fields and park turf from vehicle damage are charged to
this account. Weekly inspection of all the park washrooms to check for vandalism and make repairs is
charged to that account.
6
This account is used for the cleanup of homeless camps or litter/ debris pick up that can be attributed to
the homeless activities. The pickup and disposal of shopping carts is also charged to this account.
7
Labour $8,300.00, Contracted Services (e.g. fence repairs, bollards, etc.) $18,000.00, totalling
$26,300.00.

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To: Mayor Schaffer and Councillors

Date: September 12, 2016
Subject: Vandalism and Homelessness Related Issues Expenditures Report
Page 4

2016, the number of complaints went up to approximately 3 to 4 calls8 per day. We

are now receiving 5 to 6 calls9 a day and the number of calls up until the end of
August is approximately 720. These would not be unique callers as many of our
complaints tend to come from repeat callers. The number of homeless individuals and
homeless camps that bylaw enforcement officers had to investigate from 2012 to 2016
(to end of August) are outlined in the tables below. The number of homeless camp
investigations has increased to 320 in 2015 from 39 in 2012 while the number of
homeless individuals investigations has increased to 1,277 in 2015 from 129 in 2012.
Consequently, this has created a significant drain on bylaw enforcement resources.
Our two (2) Bylaw Enforcement Officers are spending most of their time dealing with
homelessness issues and hence other bylaw related matters are not always being
addressed in an effective and timely manner. On average, both officers spend
approximately 70% of their time investigating homeless camps and homeless
individuals files on a daily basis and this represents approximately $125,820.00 in
terms of wages10. Staff will conduct a resource allocation review to determine if
additional resources are required to meet the needs of the bylaw enforcement division.
There are many other City staff that deal with homeless issues. For the purpose of this
report, the labour costs for these employees are significant but thus far have not been
tabulated.

January 1 to April 30, 2016.

May 1 to mid-June 2016
10
Includes labour and overhead costs for the entire year. The wages do include overtime costs incurred.
9

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To: Mayor Schaffer and Councillors

Date: September 12, 2016
Subject: Vandalism and Homelessness Related Issues Expenditures Report
Page 5

Bylaw Enforcement Stats 2015

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

June

July

Aug

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

2015

2014

2013

2012

Homeless Camps

16

24

22

24

24

14

30

24

39

27

44

32

320

153

106

39

Homeless Persons

34

48

85

123

96

108

195

107

146

93

137

105

1,277

474

241

129

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

2016

2015

2014

2013

CALLS FOR
SERVICE

Bylaw Enforcement Stats 2016

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

June

July

Aug

Homeless Camps

14

10

34

25

44

146

228

401

902

320

153

106

Homeless Persons

38

63

66

102

150

377

385

560

1,741

1,277

474

241

CALLS FOR
SERVICE

Bylaw Enforcement Investigation Stats

Homeless Camps

Homeless Persons

1,741

1,277
902
474
241
106
2013

320
153
2014

2015

244

2016

To: Mayor Schaffer and Councillors

Date: September 12, 2016
Subject: Vandalism and Homelessness Related Issues Expenditures Report
Page 6

From a fire safety perspective mitigating the potential for an urban forest fire is a high
priority. To that end, the Citys Fire Rescue Service monitors the homeless camps on a
daily basis to ensure that there is no open fire burning at the camps. The Fire Rescue
service responded to three specific incidents from 911 calls in 2016.
The RCMP has handled approximately 550 homeless related calls to date this year,
which represents approximately 1 in every 13 calls. For comparison purposes, the
highest reported crime type to the RCMP is theft from auto, and this year to date,
they have received 351 calls. Homelessness issues have generated 200 more calls over
and above that. Although it is difficult to quantify the actual policing costs to handle
homeless related calls, the number of calls do illustrate that the number of homeless
related complaints are significantly high as compared to other types of complaints.
The City has created an Understanding Homelessness FAQ document in an effort to
respond to some of the frequently asked questions from citizens regarding the
homelessness issues in the community. This document will hopefully illuminate some
of the challenges and the efforts we have made to address homelessness issues in the
community.

BUDGET IMPLICATIONS:
In total, the costs incurred by the City to address vandalism and homelessness related
issues are as follows:
Engineering & Parks (As of September 12, 2016)
Bylaw Enforcement (Annual)
Total

Costs
$ 123,467.00
$ 125,820.00
$ 249,287.00

As shown above, the effort and costs to address homelessness related issues are
significant and unsustainable.

ALTERNATIVES:
Not applicable.

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To: Mayor Schaffer and Councillors

Date: September 12, 2016
Subject: Vandalism and Homelessness Related Issues Expenditures Report
Page 7

Respectfully Submitted,

__________________________
Francis Cheung, P. Eng.
Chief Administrative Officer
Attachment:

Understanding Homelessness FAQ

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Understanding Homelessness
Homelessness is a very complicated issue, and there is no single model or approach to
solve the complexities of homelessness. Many homeless individuals have unique needs
and have come to experience homelessness by different means whether it is due to
unforeseen circumstances, mental health issues, substance abuse issues or personal
decisions. Homelessness is a complex individual experience which makes finding
solutions for these individuals equally complicated.
Even though Municipal governments are not mandated to provide housing, in 2008 the
City of Langley partnered with the provincial government, the Ministry of Housing, the
Salvation Army, and others to develop the Gateway of Hope facility by offering the land on
the Langley Bypass, by Kwantlen Polytechnic University through a long-term lease. Since
its inception, the City continues to support the Gateway of Hope by providing a permissive
tax exemption each year.
The Gateway of Hope, under contract with BC Housing, provides minimal barrier
Emergency shelter and services up to 10 women and 22 men. Upon admission to the
Emergency Shelter, guests will receive a safe environment to rest, a bed with clean linens,
a hot shower, 3 meals a day, clothing assistance, laundry services, one-on-one support
services, spiritual care services, basic medical services, resources for further support and
access to a free computer lab. The Gateway of Hope is a minimal barrier shelter service
which means guests must be adhered to three main rules and expectations: respect for
the shelter guests and staff, no drugs or alcohol on property, and adherence to their
general rules and expectations which is provided during guests intake.

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To find more about their additional programs, services or other information on the
Gateway of Hope: http://gatewayofhope.ca/gateway-services/emergency-shelter/
In 2015, the City of Langley responded to concerns of the number of persons
experiencing homelessness by forming a Langley Homelessness Task Force which was
comprised of City Councillors, representatives from local service providers including BC
Housing, Fraser Health Authority, and two Councillors representing the Township of
Langley, community-based agencies and non-profit societies as well as the Langley
RCMP. With all stakeholders present, the Task Force spearheaded the creation of the
Homelessness Strategic Plan. The Homelessness Task Force has now been disbanded
and the Public Safety Advisory Committee has been tasked with implementing the
recommendations and strategies from the Homelessness Strategic Plan. Currently, the
Public Safety Advisory Committee has appointed members to task groups who will review
and make recommendations on the strategies proposed by the Homelessness Strategic
Plan.
In the Homelessness Strategic Plan, one of the recommendations was to form a Fraser
Valley Homelessness table to work with neighbouring communities in the Fraser Valley
that have many similarities with respect to population, culture, and rural and urban
characteristics to address homelessness issues. This table would work to discuss issues
related to homelessness, identify opportunities for partnership, and support each others
homelessness initiatives. In regards to this recommendation, Langley City Council has
sent a letter in support of the City of Maple Ridges applications for Homelessness
Partnering Strategy (HPS) funding and has been invited to attend the Summit for Cities on
Homelessness, the first ever region-wide city-focused summit, which is tentatively
planning for the spring of 2017.

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To view the Homelessness Strategic Plan:

http://www.cityoflangley.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/Admin/DOCSLANG-%23139342-v1Langley_Homelessness_Strategic_Plan__Final.pdf
Langley City Council will continue to support the Strategic Plan initiatives although many
of the recommended strategies are outside the City of Langleys purview. The role of the
City is to continue to advocate senior levels of government and those organizations that
can bring about positive results.

Understanding Limitations in the City of Langley

In October 2015, the B.C. Supreme Court ruled in favour of a group of homeless people
challenging City of Abbotsfords municipal bylaws that displaced them from public spaces
including city parks. The decision was delivered by the B.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice
Christopher Hinkson who determined the City of Abbotsford bylaws were in violation of
Section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which protects individuals
safety and security of person. Chief Justice Hinkson also denied Abbotsfords request
seeking a permanent ban on homeless camping. This recent court decision regarding
homeless and their camps in the City of Abbotsford pertains to all municipalities in British
Columbia including the City of Langley.
The BC Supreme Court ruling allows homeless individuals to erect shelters and sleep in
the citys public spaces and parks between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. unless
they are breaking municipal bylaws or other regulations. City staff are asking these
individuals to vacate the park after 9:00 am but this is difficult to enforce as the parks are
open to all users during the day. The decision means that homeless people can no longer

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be evicted from public spaces and parks during the specified hours, and are able to use
the parks and public spaces during the day like any other patron of the park. City staff
attends the parks regularly to enforce removal of shelters after 9:00 am, monitor for safety
and health risks, and to remove garbage and excess materials. Social service agencies
also attend the camp on a regular basis to work toward housing homeless individuals.
The City and supporting agencies will continue to investigate options for homeless
individuals in the City but we are bound to adhere to the rights of the homeless population,
residents of the City, and to the changing landscape determined by the courts. City
Council will continue to petition the provincial and federal governments to assist us in
implementing the recommendations of the Langley Homelessness Strategic Plan.
For residents who witness criminal activity, we encourage you to contact the Langley
RCMP Non-Emergency Line at 604-532-3200.

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