BC Conservatives Say Residents and Homeless Individuals Need Real Action, Not “Monitoring”
VICTORIA, B.C.: Richmond-Bridgeport MLA Teresa Wat is calling out the provincial government for years of inaction on the Oak Street Bridge encampment, after raising the issue during Question Period yesterday.
Wat noted that a person died in a fire at the site in 2023 and that the situation has steadily deteriorated since. Families with young children now walk past needles and aggressive behaviour on their way to the SkyTrain, and the City of Richmond has repeatedly contacted the province requesting action. She also asked, “When will this government finally act to ensure the safety of our citizens, respond to the concerns raised by the City of Richmond and my constituents, and provide real support to the homeless individuals living under the Oak Street Bridge?”
Housing Minister Christine Boyle did not stand up to answer the question in the Legislature yesterday. Instead, she later provided a written statement to the media, “We continue to monitor the situation at the Oak Street Bridge in Richmond, and we continue to work to address safety concerns as needed.”
Wat said the Minister’s refusal to answer directly, combined with years of relying on “monitoring,” shows a government unwilling or unable to act.
“The situation at Oak Street Bridge has been there for years, and the City of Richmond has repeatedly asked the province to intervene,” Wat said. “Yet conditions keep getting worse while the government says it is still monitoring. Monitoring is not action.”
Wat added that the current approach is failing both residents and the homeless individuals living under the bridge.
“Residents deserve to feel safe walking to transit, and homeless individuals deserve meaningful support that helps them rebuild their lives,” Wat said. “Neither group is being protected now.”
Wat emphasized that real solutions must also address underlying issues such as drug addiction and mental health challenges, and the housing models must be designed carefully.
“We are compassionate and want to provide appropriate social housing, but we must also address the issues that lead people into crisis,” Wat said. “Without tackling drug addiction and mental health challenges, people cannot stabilize their lives. Involuntary treatment is necessary because leaving people trapped in crisis is not compassion. People with complex needs require tailored support. Mixing individuals with severe addiction or mental health challenges together with those who do not have those issues is unsafe and ineffective. The problems seen in the TMH model in Richmond Alderbridge Way are evident.”
The BC Conservative Caucus is calling on the provincial government to take immediate action, work with the City of Richmond, and bring forward a clear plan and timeline to restore safety while delivering real support to those who need it.
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Media Contact:
Ryan Painter
Communications
Ryan.Painter@leg.bc.ca
