Drop-in eyes earlier opening

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Jan. 12, 2010

People need a place to go starting 7 a.m. when police start moving the homeless out of doorways and awnings, Tysick said.

“Now they’ve been congregating in front of Our Place from 7 to 9 ... I want (our) neighbours to walk by Our Place and not have to walk on the road around people.”

The pedestrian congestion is also a concern for police.

On Friday, police ticketed a man who stepped into traffic by Our Place without due caution. He was struck by a passing vehicle but suffered only minor injuries.

Tysick predicts the extra hours of operation will cost approximately $200,000 annually, adding to its budget of $1.5 million.

Fortin was scheduled to meet with the society Monday afternoon, after press time. He was not available for comment.

rholmen@saanichnews.com