Hundreds pack City of Victoria meeting on Dowler Place [Video]

It only took a few minutes for the jeers to start at a meeting on Tuesday night about a controversial support facility for unhoused people in Victoria.

Some 300 people packed a room downtown well beyond its capacity, eager to learn more about Dowler Place. SOLID Outreach Society runs the facility and describes it as a community centre where people can get referrals to housing and detox services.

“I didn’t leave here feeling like it’s going to be a safe neighbourhood for me, for the kids, for the disabled,” said Jennifer Loukras, who lives two doors down from the facility in the North Park neighbourhood.

“There’s just been no consultation. Nobody knows what the plans are and then (we) get told as we did tonight that the deal is done.”

Dowler Place has been a source of acrimony since it was announced by the city in June.

“Why don’t you …