While last week's bout of winter weather kept many people indoors, Saanich police officers scoured the municipality's parks and trails to ensure the small homeless population was well-protected.
"We're making sure they're warm, dry, safe, out of the exposure to the elements," said Const. Jenn Symonds, with the police bike squad.
Though the snow kept the squad off their bikes, they joined Saanich patrol officers in doing daily and nightly checks on known areas where homeless people stay, as well as visiting the Victoria Native Friendship Centre – it becomes a shelter in cold, wet weather situations.
"If we locate anyone, we let them know what shelters are available and we can offer transportation to those places," Symonds said. "And we still have some gear – sleeping bags and pillows – that we're bringing along to give out."
She said there have been very few encounters between police and the homeless, which she takes as a sign that they are smartly getting out of the cold.
"This is pretty much the same stuff we do every day, but the elements are just a little worse now. When it does get wet, and you add in the cold, some of them are a bit more willing to go indoors."
Police will continue to monitor the weather this week, as more rain and cold weather is expected. Regardless whether it snows, Symonds said, low temperatures are the greatest concern when considering the well-being of those sleeping outside.
kslavin@saanichnews.com