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Krista Loughton @kristaloughton.bsky.social · 5d

Thank you for making my day!

Krista Loughton @kristaloughton.bsky.social · 5d

which I will add to my “to-do” list. No rest for municipal councillors on federal and provincial responsibilities! (2/2)

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Krista Loughton @kristaloughton.bsky.social · 5d

He should have said that then ;) The risk here is moving back into “housing readiness,” which takes us backward. It’s best to consult with social scientists and review peer-reviewed research papers on the topic, (1/2)

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Krista Loughton @kristaloughton.bsky.social · 5d

But Housing First was always meant to come with wraparound supports tailored to each person’s needs — including detox and treatment options. In my experience, I’ve never seen Housing First operate in Greater Victoria as intended.

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Krista Loughton @kristaloughton.bsky.social · 5d

The frustrating thing is that Housing First is often misunderstood as “housing only.” In reality, the principle is to house people first, moving away from the old “housing ready” approach, where individuals had to meet specific criteria before they could access housing.

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Krista Loughton @kristaloughton.bsky.social · 8d

Thank you, Mary.

Krista Loughton @kristaloughton.bsky.social · 8d

Eddy and Kristin’s efforts remind us that change begins with courage, persistence, and truth-telling.

Every Child Matters. Always.

#orangeshirtday #nationaldaydortruthandreconciliation #everychildmatters

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Krista Loughton @kristaloughton.bsky.social · 8d

Here in Victoria, we remember the tireless work of Eddy Charlie and Kristin Spray, whose dedication is a key reason why Orange Shirt Day is so widely recognized in our community, and also a reason why the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is now a statutory holiday.

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Krista Loughton @kristaloughton.bsky.social · 8d

Today, Canada has its first First Nations premier, Wab Kinew — a leader who once fought to replace the term “residential school student” with “residential school survivor.” His journey is a testament to the brilliance & strength of Indigenous Peoples, & a reminder that progress is indeed possible.

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Krista Loughton @kristaloughton.bsky.social · 8d

And yet, from that suffering has risen extraordinary resilience. On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we wear orange to honour Survivors, remember the children who never came home, and support the families of Survivors.

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Krista Loughton @kristaloughton.bsky.social · 8d

🧵This image of tipis outside a residential school near Fort Q’apelle, SK, reflects the deep pain of children torn from their families — a wound that still echoes today.

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Krista Loughton @kristaloughton.bsky.social · 23d

FED is an excellent example of the incredible work being done on food security in Victoria.

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Krista Loughton @kristaloughton.bsky.social · 23d

In the video below, FED’s co-founder, Calen McNeil, discusses definitions of “profit” and the passion behind this work: community building.

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Krista Loughton @kristaloughton.bsky.social · 23d

🧵I attended an incredible dinner at FED Urban Farm, in Vic West, last night.

FED transforms underutilized urban spaces into productive growing hubs, producing fresh, healthy vegetables for vulnerable populations.

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Krista Loughton @kristaloughton.bsky.social · 28d

This happens on average 8 to 10 nights every winter, and in Sidney‘s case, there are about 10 unhoused people over 60 years old.

The fear is not rational. It’s time to be compassionate and care for those who need it in your community.

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Krista Loughton @kristaloughton.bsky.social · 28d

NO, SIDNEY, you cannot send people to Victoria. We are overwhelmed, and homelessness is a regional issue that requires a regional response.

Every municipality in Greater Victoria needs to be responsible for unhoused people in their community when extreme weather endangers their health and safety.

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Krista Loughton @kristaloughton.bsky.social · 28d

“One of the things that we heard from people, even last night and in the letters we received is that ‘we don’t need a shelter here, and why do we have to have one here?’ ‘There’s lots of shelters in Victoria,’ and ‘why can’t we send our people there?’”

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Krista Loughton @kristaloughton.bsky.social · 28d

🧵On Sidney Council voting down an opportunity to set up an Emergency Weather Shelter this winter, this quote from Sidney Coun. O’Keefe is telling:

Sidney votes down Wakefield Manor as site for extreme weather shelter

The Town of Sidney has voted against opening up an Extreme Weather Response (EWR) shelter at Wakefield Manor after hundreds of residents spoke out against the proposal.

cheknews.ca

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Reposted by Krista Loughton

Jeremy Caradonna @jeremycaradonnayyj.bsky.social · Sep 8

The new Official Community Plan will increase Victoria's commitments to urban trees.

Every year, Victoria adds new trees. There's now 150,000 trees in the city limits. Trees now cover 30% of the city, up from 26% a few years ago.

The new Plan commits to an incredible 40% coverage.

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Krista Loughton @kristaloughton.bsky.social · Sep 7

Excellent work, Saanich!

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Krista Loughton @kristaloughton.bsky.social · Sep 6

Decriminalization and harm reduction save lives, reduce stigma, and connect people to supports.

B.C. must extend decriminalization beyond January 2026 to address the housing, mental health, and addiction crises unfolding in every community across the province.

#BCpoli

‘Callous’: Marg Gardiner’s anti-harm reduction motion shot down by Victoria city council

As Victoria’s city council returned to session this week, Councillor Marg Gardiner brought forth a motion that would seek to pressure the Province to end temporary decriminalization of illicit drugs.

victoriabuzz.com

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Krista Loughton @kristaloughton.bsky.social · Sep 5

Absolutely. There’s a long way to go.

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Krista Loughton @kristaloughton.bsky.social · Sep 5

I have felt pride and challenges on this Council—but never shame until today. This was an all-time low. To grieving families, to those struggling with addiction, and to those supporting them: I offer my sincerest apologies.

#BCpoli

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Krista Loughton @kristaloughton.bsky.social · Sep 5

On International Overdose Awareness Day, families in Victoria mourned their loved ones and urged us not to support this motion. To bring it forward in the same week was deeply hurtful.

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Krista Loughton @kristaloughton.bsky.social · Sep 5

Doctors for Safer Drug Policy put it clearly:

“Harm reduction is not an ‘obscene phrase’; it is a cornerstone of modern medicine.”

Recriminalization would take us backwards. Decriminalization and harm reduction are part of the path forward, alongside prevention, housing, and treatment.

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