By Spencer Sterritt

Schoolhouse squat: homelessness activists claim Rutherford School, neighbours incredibly concerned

Oct 5, 2018 | 6:50 PM

NANAIMO — A closed school in Nanaimo’s north end is the site of the latest protest against homelessness and the lack of affordable housing.

Roughly a dozen activists broke into the closed Rutherford School on Hammond Bay Friday night and say they’ll hold it as long as they can. 

“This isn’t just a protest anymore, this is resistance,” spokesperson Amber McGrath told NanaimoNewsNOW. 

“It’s obvious the government doesn’t care. We’re claiming this space as safety for homeless people and we’re basically telling other homeless people to start claiming public buildings.”

The action came on the same day the province announced 170 units of temporary and supportive housing coming to Nanaimo, as part of negotiations about the closure of downtown’s large tent city. Campers claim there’s roughly 300 people who live in Discontent City across from the Port Place Shopping Centre.

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McGrath said while they appreciate the housing to help those suffering from mental health and addictions issues, it doesn’t get to the root cause of the problem. 

“There isn’t enough housing for everyone. We know there aren’t rentals here, so where are they going to go even if they get subsidized rent?”

Sydney Cossman and his wife, whose backyard faces Rutherford School, told NanaimoNewsNOW while they’re sympathetic to many of the homeless people living in Discontent City, the political action being taken at the school is “their worst fear.” 

“Looking up at most of the people here up on the roof, they look like they’re pretty employable people. Most of them don’t need to be here,” Cossman said. 

“What bothers me is it’s such a waste of our resources,” his wife said.

At the other end of the block, neighbourhood resident Catherine Tsantilas wondered why Nanaimo RCMP were observing the school and not moving in. 

“If anyone in Canada broke into a property they would be arrested and thrown in jail. Why are these people allowed time to sit up there and do damage? That doesn’t make any sense.”  

Nanaimo RCMP said they’ve moved in to assess any damage and learn what the activists want. They’re in heavy consultation with the Nanaimo Ladysmith School District as well. 

“If the school district determines they want them out of the building, we will have a dialogue and take responsibility for that,” RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien said. “If they don’t leave, the people can be subject to arrest.”

A large, at times very angry, crowd of several hundred people milled about in the school’s parking lot until very late Friday. RCMP watched on as people verbally sparred with the activists. Many also turned their frustrations towards the Mounties, taunting them and asking why they weren’t taking action and arresting the protestors for break and enter.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit