Family and friends have confirmed Chrissy Brett, vocal organizer, advocate and face of ‘tent city’ camps across Victoria, has died. According to reports, Brett, who was in her 40s, died of a suspected overdose. While Brett had moved to Vancouver, she became a controversial figure in the sentiment surrounding the encampments that began in late 2015 with the formation of the tent city that occupied the grounds of Victoria’s provincial court for nearly a year. At one point, the encampment had seen almost 300 residents living behind the courthouse, these people were either relocated or offered alternative places to live. After this encampment was destroyed in 2016, Brett helped facilitate the replacement of tents around Greater Victoria, which became known as “Roving Tent Cities” some locations including Oak Bay, Brentwood Bay and Saanich. Many of the locations included Regina Park in Saanich, Rudd Park and later Goldstream Provincial Park. The camp was also set up on private property on West Saanich Street before it was moved. The self-described “camp founder” was arrested in October 2020 after helping to form a homeless encampment at Woodwynn Farms in Central Saanich. There has been an outpouring of support for Brett on social media following her death, with many thanking her for making a difference in how the province deals with the housing situation for the vulnerable population. Brett leaves behind two children. The world has lost another champion. 😭😭😭😭 A true force of nature. One of a kind. Chrissy if anyone deserves peace and rest… Posted by Rama DeLaRosa on Sunday, July 17, 2022
