Nanaimo Mayor Urges Province to Rethink Sober Housing Plan

URGENT UPDATE: The mayor of Nanaimo, B.C., is demanding an immediate reconsideration from provincial authorities regarding a proposed 50-unit supportive housing facility that will not operate as a sober-only environment. Mayor Leonard Krog and the city council have officially requested that the 250 Terminal Ave. project be designated as a “dry” facility, aimed at supporting individuals who have achieved sobriety.

During a recent council vote, Krog emphasized the necessity of creating a safe environment for individuals transitioning away from addiction. “We’re just saying, look, those folks that have managed to quit using for whatever reason and with whatever assistance, please give them a place to live where they’re not subject to seeing their friends, their neighbours consuming substances every day,” he stated.

The proposed five-storey building is designed to provide studio homes for individuals currently experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Krog’s push for a sober facility underscores a critical moment in addressing homelessness and addiction in Nanaimo. “In order to save lives, you have to provide safe places for people,” he added, highlighting the need to protect recovering individuals from the influences of active addiction.

However, Housing Minister Christine Boyle defended the province’s decision, asserting that the project has been developed under the “housing first” model, which focuses on bringing people indoors first and then supporting them as they access necessary health services. Boyle stated that the government is also working on another facility called The Sparrow, which will offer 78 spaces for those wanting to minimize exposure to drugs and alcohol.

While Boyle acknowledged the challenges associated with maintaining a sober environment, she cautioned against the risks of evicting individuals who relapse, noting that it could further entrench them in homelessness. “If you relapse, which is a common part of the journey, you risk also losing your housing,” she said.

Krog, however, is pushing back against what he describes as an overly rigid adherence to the housing first model. He remarked, “It’s a rule, the province can change it. It’s a policy, the province can change it.” The mayor’s comments suggest a growing frustration with the province’s approach to addiction recovery and housing, calling for a more nuanced understanding of the needs of those recovering from substance use.

The debate around this issue is particularly pressing as Nanaimo grapples with increasing public concern over street disorder and open drug use. Boyle stressed that bringing people indoors is a crucial step toward reducing these issues and ensuring community safety. The province plans to collaborate closely with the city and service providers to enhance safety measures at the new facility.

As this situation develops, all eyes will be on the provincial government to see whether they will heed the mayor’s call for a sober housing option. The outcome could significantly impact the lives of many vulnerable individuals in Nanaimo, underscoring the urgent need for effective and compassionate solutions to homelessness and addiction.

Stay tuned for further updates as this critical story unfolds.