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Victoria Supportive Housing Death Spurs Renewed Push for Weapons Ban

Advocates call for a legislated weapons prohibition after a suspected homicide exposes safety gaps in low-barrier housing facilities.

Waterview is a supportive housing unit in Victoria. A man was found dead there on April 26 in what police said was a suspected homicide.
Police activity at Gorge Road and Washington Street in Victoria April 26, 2025. DARREN STONE, TIMES COLONIST
Keith Scott, who also went by Keith Kobzey, was found dead on April 26.

Overview

  • Keith Scott, 34, was found dead on April 26 at Waterview supportive housing in Victoria, with police treating the case as a suspected homicide.
  • The BC Coalition for Safe and Sustainable Supportive Housing has formally called for a province-wide ban on weapons in supportive housing buildings.
  • Advocates argue that current Residential Tenancy Act rules, which limit enforcement to eviction, are insufficient to address safety concerns when tenants refuse to leave.
  • Victoria Police Chief Del Manak and housing operators, including Our Place Society, support the proposed weapons ban as a critical step to protect vulnerable residents and staff.
  • B.C. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon highlighted past safety improvements and policy changes but has not committed to implementing a weapons ban at this time.