Nanaimo council refuses to declare supportive housing a nuisance

NANAIMO — A majority of Nanaimo council members have rejected the idea of declaring two new temporary supportive-housing projects as nuisances.

Coun. Sheryl Armstrong made a motion last week to ask city staff for a report on what’s been happening at 250 Terminal Ave. and 2020 Labieux Rd., and to determine if the city’s nuisance bylaw might be applicable.

The motion failed, with only Armstrong and Coun. Jim Turley in favour.

The province bought the Terminal Avenue land and is leasing the city-owned site on Labieux for its two modular-housing projects, erected in late 2018. They were quickly put into place as Nanaimo’s tent city was dismantled.

Residents are divided on the housing projects.

Some complain that crime has increased and that drug dealing and drug use are frequent. They say they do not feel safe, and they’re worried about the safety of children and the possibility they might pick up a needle and stab themselves.

Others say they have not seen a spike in crime.

“We really don’t see much of a difference,” Terry Wagar, who lives near Terminal Avenue, told council. There are more security guards in the area, which makes the neighbourhood safer, he said.

Wagar, who said he was speaking on behalf of some neighbours, said they brought the supportive-housing residents welcome bags and Christmas gifts.

The non-profit organization operating the supportive housing on Terminal Avenue has been working with B.C. Housing to address concerns. The height of the fence around the area was increased to deter people from climbing over to get into the property, perimeter lighting was installed and a new security company, with training from police, was hired. Access through the front gate is now being controlled.

Coun. Zeni Maartman balked at the idea of designating the sites nuisances.

“I’m not comfortable with this label being given to those locations when the people have barely begun the transition to being housed,” Maartman said. “We need to give the housing a chance to be successful.”

Coun. Erin Hemmens supports a comprehensive report on the housing sites coming to council, but said the nuisance proposal feels heavy-handed. And Coun. Ben Geselbracht said the city needs to focus on collaboration.

These are temporary facilities and a long-term solution is needed, he said.

Jake Rudolph, Nanaimo’s chief administrative officer, said a workshop on homelessness is taking place in February.