– Word by Angela Cowan Photography by Lia Crowe
Krista Loughton was in her late teens when she first witnessed the level of extreme poverty that would shape her entire experience with the world.
“My father worked in international development and I was in Zimbabwe to visit him,” she says. “I had never witnessed such poverty. It really touched me. The idea that 80% of the country slept on dirt floors was something I couldn’t fathom.
She returned to Canada with a fierce determination to help, but the experience also opened her eyes to the struggles of her own community. Already passionate about film, Krista began to see a way to combine it with her desire to make a difference.
“I decided that I didn’t need to go back abroad to help people. I just needed to go downtown,” says Krista, who has been in Victoria since 1996. “So I started talking to homeless people and making friends.
It was the start of a storytelling journey that spanned more than a decade and included two short films focusing on Our Place’s new location and Reverend Al Tysick, and Us & Them, Krista’s feature debut centered on four chronically homeless people in Victoria, each struggling with addiction. The powerfully empathetic and compassionate film premiered at Victoria City Hall and has been screened thousands of times across North America, including an exclusive parliamentary screening for Canadian MPs, hosted by Federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos.
“Done well, movies can be very powerful and they can influence people,” Krista says. “Cinema was part of how I wanted to help. I wanted to tell stories about homelessness, help others understand or just witness it.
Highlighting these four people and their struggles with homelessness and addiction humanized the issue for many viewers, but it wasn’t enough for Krista.
“I was making films to try to influence politicians to think differently and develop new policies, but it wasn’t going fast enough, so I decided it was time for me to step in,” says- she.
This year, Krista dove into the realm of politics when she became a Victorian councilor for the first time after campaigning on an intensive platform focused on public safety, the housing crisis and supporting relationships. with the natives.
“It was a very powerful day,” she says of her inauguration. “The Lekwungen dancers led us into the council chamber. There was a speech from the Chief of Esquimalt, Rob Thomas, the Mayor gave a speech and we were all sworn in. It’s a bit surreal, to be honest. But it’s wonderful. I’m so excited.”
Following her lifelong passion, Krista is determined to tackle the issue of homelessness and housing as soon as possible from her new position.
“The housing issue is one of the first things we’re going to look at, and then the housing crisis,” she said. “Sheltering is really related to public safety and we need to work on that. We cannot carry on as if nothing had happened. »
As well as having multiple partners around the table, including service providers, homeless advocates, police and different levels of government, Krista adds: “I believe it is important to have people with lived experience around the table, to make sure that what we propose will work.
Looking forward to the next four years, Krista is enthusiastic and optimistic.
“We are a new council. There is a lot of camaraderie, good conversations and positive feelings. And I was incredibly impressed with the city staff across all departments,” she says. “It is inspiring and a privilege to participate in the creation of a well-functioning municipality.
The 7 sins
Urge:
What shoes would you like to walk in?
Jack Layton. If Jack had become Prime Minister, I don’t think we would have a homeless camp crisis exploding across our country in 2022. In his political debut as a Toronto City Councilor, he worked on the ground with the homeless and their advocates. He wrote an influential book titled Homelessness: how to end the national crisis and understood that social housing is like roads and sewers – essential infrastructure for every town and city.
Gluttony:
What is one food you might eat over and over again?
In the spirit of gluttony, I choose two. My grandmother’s stuffing, partly because it’s delicious, but also because it brings me closer to family traditions. Closely followed by an endless plate of tiramisu.
Greed:
You are given $1 million to spend selfishly. What would you spend it on?
I would put down a deposit on a multiplex so my mother could age in place and I could live next to her and help take care of her.
Anger:
The black beasts?
Warriors online. People who talk about a big online game but don’t show up to fix the problem.
The laziness:
Where would you spend a long time doing nothing?
Thermea Spa. However, I would have to travel to Winnipeg to participate. We need it on the island. Anyone reading this, please consider opening one!
Pride:
What is the one thing you are secretly proud of?
My tenacious determination. My favorite quote is: “Now that all possibilities are exhausted, let’s get started.”
Lust:
What makes your heart beat faster?
The idea that everyone in my community has a safe place to sleep at night. The possibility of leaving my community better than I found it makes my heart beat faster.
Story courtesy of Boulevard magazinea publication of Black Press Media
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