Thirty shelter beds introduced in 2008 have lost their provincial funding, despite operating at full capacity last winter.

“We’re pretty much full all the time,” said Pat Humble, who ran the 30-bed shelter as manager of residence and client services for the Salvation Army in Victoria.

The closure, however, was expected given the cuts to B.C. Housing, he added.

In late 2008, B.C. Housing announced new one-time funding for the Salvation Army to operate the 30 beds every night through the cold season instead of only opening during extreme weather.

Humble believes the move was politically driven at a time when the homeless advocates were setting up tent cities in the parks.

“All of a sudden money was available to extend as much shelter space as we possibly could,” Humble said.

This winter, there will only be 55 seasonal shelter beds throughout the city, down from 85 last year.

The loss will put a strain on the system, said Don McTavish of Victoria Cool Aid Society.

“It may mean that we have to go into the (extreme weather protocol) slightly more often,” McTavish said.

During extreme weather, the region opens up 110 extra beds to house the homeless at venues such as Our Place and the Native Friendship Society.

“The downside is it’s intermittent so it always takes a little bit of time for the word to spread in the street,” McTavish said. “You might get people who are outside needlessly when we have the space.”

If the extreme weather protocol is enacted more often, it could also broaden police powers to force the homeless to shelters.

Late last month, the Ministry of Housing and Social Development introduced legislation called the Assistance to Shelter Act. If made law, it would give police the authority to get people off the street during life-threatening weather.

It’s an idea that gets mixed reviews from the shelter managers.

“It’s well intentioned ... but at the end of the day we’re dealing with people who have the right to make choices about their lives and coercing them has not proven to be effective in any way. They’re the most highly independent minded group of people in our society,” McTavish said.

Nobody wants to be told what to do, added Humble. “The moment force is involved. you’re going to be met with a fight.”

The answer to the problem, however, isn’t more shelter beds, said Humble.

“It certainly helps because it helps gets guys off the street but I’d hate anyone to consider a little inflatable matt on our hard floor home.”

rholmen@saanichnews.com