Father of Langley man killed in shooting spree urges city to fund more shelters
Posted January 18, 2023 11:47 am.
Last Updated January 18, 2023 11:49 am.
The father of a Langley man who was killed in a shooting spree last summer is calling on the city to create new shelter spaces for every unhoused person in that city.
One other man was killed in the July shooting and two others were injured. At the time, homeless advocates in the areas said the victims were unhoused, but police say the motive for the shooting was unclear.
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In a public Langley city council meeting Monday, the father of 43-year-old Steven Furness addressed the group asking for help.
As a long-time resident of the city, Stewart Furness says that the tragic passing of his son is a testament to the need for change in the city.
“My long relationship with Steven has given me a unique insight into the plight of the homeless,” he said. “This is the group which we need to help as soon as possible.”
“We need flexible zoning to allow homeless people to have a hub during the daytime, where they can also sleep at nighttime,” he said. “We need bylaw enforcement officers who are instructed to use common sense when dealing with housing societies, churches, and homeless people.”
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Stewart says by changing zoning rules, the city could help get more people warm places to sleep.
“The solution doesn’t need to be a hotel or an apartment. It can be a property which is currently commercial or retail. But this is where zoning changes are needed to keep our law enforcement happy,” he said.
Stewart notes that although the population of people experiencing homelessness is small in the city, something still needs to be done.
“Langley’s homeless problem is very small, but even 100 people living on the street is too many. Our unsheltered people need help right away,” he added.
Stewart says Langley’s existing Gateway Shelter is stretched to capacity, and there’s an urgent need for low-barrier shelter spaces.
“I urge this council to immediately consider renting a space to be used as a stop-gap measure. This place could double as a warming center and could also be used in case of an unexpected local emergency,” he explained.
“We need to get them off the street so that social services can help them.”
The Langley City Council agreed to review a written proposal from Stewart on possible options.
