Results of Referendum on Homelessness Supports Service

From the Comox Valley Regional District:

The referendum held November 28, to determine whether the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) should establish a service to provide supports for homeless people in the Comox Valley, passed by a vote of 1,617 ballots in favour to 1,433 ballots against. 

The question put to voters was: “Are you in favour of the Comox Valley Regional District adopting Bylaw No. 389 being “Comox Valley Homelessness Supports Service Establishment Bylaw No. 389, 2015” to establish a service that would provide funds to one or more local nongovernmental organizations based on a board approved five-year action plan to address homelessness in the Comox Valley?” Yes or no.

Voters had the ability to cast ballots at two advance polls earlier in November, at seven polls on referendum day, and by mail. Those eligible to vote had to be 18 years of age or older, a Canadian citizen, a resident of BC for at least six months immediately preceding voting day, a resident or registered owner of property in the Comox Valley including the City of Courtenay, Village of Cumberland, Electoral Area A (excluding Denman and Hornby Islands) and Electoral Areas B and C, and not otherwise disqualified by law from voting. There are an estimated 36,803 eligible voters in the proposed homelessness supports service voting area and the 3,050 voters who cast ballots represents a voter turnout of approximately eight percent.

The CVRD board will now consider its next steps on this issue at its meeting on December 15, 2015.

For the results of the referendum and information on the proposed service, visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/results.