Suchergebnisse

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing social inequities (de la Barre et al., 2020; Fenley, 2020; Perri et al., 2020). The closure of drop-in services and community centres, reduced access to public spaces, and a reduction in resources has had a negative impact on marginalized populations (Perri et al., 2020). Moreover, these tumultuous circumstances have led to increased numbers of persons setting up encampments and clustering in public space across British Columbia, Canada (British Columbia Ministry of Health, 2020b). In response to pandemic-related health concerns involving high-density encampments, the Province of British Columbia, in association with various government and not-for-profit stakeholders, activated Emergency Response Centres (ERCs) to house persons experiencing homelessness during COVID-19. At first glance, this innovative, intersectoral response showed promise as a short-term solution to housing our most vulnerable during public health crises. However, forcing people out of public park space has intensified social inequities and reinforced existing power relationships (Fenley, 2020). This case study critically examines the lessons learned during COVID-19 to inform how we advance change towards socially sustainable public spaces. Through the lens of equity, access to public space for vulnerable populations during COVID-19 in Victoria, British Columbia, is explored. A stakeholder analysis is presented to illuminate the nature of stakeholder engagement within the city of Victoria, followed by a review of the intersectoral response that led to the activation of ERCs and the mobilization of hotel rooms to accommodate people experiencing homelessness during the pandemic. Furthermore, this case study discusses how participatory processes, such as equity-centred design, placemaking, and equity mapping, can facilitate community and citizen engagement. This case highlights the emergence of leisure-related innovations as catalysts for social change-an increasingly important area of leisure research. In addition, this case study outlines the urgent need for research related to the intersection of COVID-19, equity, public space, and leisure. For broader audiences, such as local governments, not-for-profit organizations, and leisure service providers, the value of this case study is underscored by the relevance of co-creation in the context of inclusive land-use planning, policy, and design.