Bear encounters in Nanaimo are on the rise, but one letter writer wants a more peaceful coexistence with wildlife making their way into the city. (submitted photo)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Water Cooler: Bear conservation, north Nanaimo development & homelessness challenges

Dec 11, 2021 | 2:28 PM

NANAIMO — The Water Cooler is NanaimoNewsNOW’s letters to the editor-style segment, featuring conversations about the news in Nanaimo and Oceanside.

This week’s feature discusses recent bear interactions in the city, plans to develop a sizable parcel of land in north Nanaimo and the region’s ever present challenges for those experiencing homelessness.

Kathy A., Nanaimo: I long for the day that we happily co-exist with the wildlife that we alongside with on these wildlife corridors, instead of fearing them and dooming them to death. This bear, and his ancestors, have been roaming these lands for decades. No harm has come to anyone- he has never been aggressive and has only done some light damage to garbage bags and maybe a fence or 2, and many if not most of the residents of Cinnabar want this bear left alone.

I am sick and tired of “Conservation” officers arriving to the speedy conclusion that every bear that is seen eating near humans is a dangerous one that they need to kill. We need to look at communities like Squamish, that co-exist with bears and educate not only their communities but their conservation officers on how to conduct themselves with respect to wildlife. We have a long way to go.

NanaimoNewsNOW: The issue with bear and human encounters isn’t a peaceful co-existence, it’s the bears becoming dependant on humans as a food source, losing fear of humans and becoming increasingly aggressive.

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A hungry animal can be a desperate animal which can lead to more direct encounters. As noted in a story, animals across the Island including at least one instance in Nanaimo, have seen bears get into homes in search of an easy meal.

Sgt. Stuart Bates told NanaimoNewsNOW many people don’t call into the Conservation Service in fear of officers having to kill the bear.

The irony is, in many cases, the delay ultimately forces officers to put the animal down because it’s become accustomed to finding easy food with humans.

An early call on a first sighting in the area before the bear finds easy pickings often results in a trap being set, a bear captured and relocated away.

Ultimately, leaving the bears alone would likely result in more interactions which then increases the likelihood of dangerous, potentially fatal encounters.

If you see a bear, report the bear to the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.

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Bill M., Nanaimo: As a former member of the City of Nanaimo Community Engagement Task Force, to date the level of engaging the community on the Bowers Districts project has been a minimum effort. My attempt to get the Traffic Impact Assessment from the proponent has been a challenge lasting over a year, but shortly after it was mentioned at Council, I got an up to date copy in my email, late Monday night.

Quite frankly the road design and traffic flows in the area are not yet suitable for existing traffic, so I cannot imagine how it will be in the future with this many additional living and retail spaces in this project. (The number of residents in the Bowers District is not public yet.) After last nights meeting, I have been assured that their will be a huge improvement on Community Engagement on this project from the proponent, which I seriously am encouraged to see.

There are points I may not be in agreement with, but with engagement, we can iron out the differences that the community at large need to approve this development. As it is going to take years, the first step of moving a portion into a highter level of development has many in the community concerned. Downtown Nanaimo has very few existing projects over 6 stories (5) yet this development is stating they are wanting a few, with no notice of how high.

The Woodgrove Plan to the best of my knowledge is not completed yet, but we are hearing how the density on the Bowers District compliments the Woodgrove Plan. I have many more questions than answers and look forward to engagement as mentioned with involvment by the Parkwood Community (they do not have an existing association) as well as the Dover Community Association and the people that live in both areas.

NanaimoNewsNOW: Road congestion and parking will certainly be issues this new development will be facing. As Councilor Ian Thorpe mentioned during the Dec. 6 council meeting, a minimum of 2,500 additional units is a lot more people coming through that area.

This is the just the early stages of a very long-term project, and while traffic worries are a concern, this process doesn’t end with just one public engagement. There will be plenty of time for all members of the community to express any concern they have and help shape this development.

The higher level of development does look like a big leap into a more urbanized “modern city” look and feel, but it’s something that is badly needed in this community. People need more places to live, and when there isn’t enough land available to expand communities out, the only logical step is to go up.

The city of Calgary is currently having this issue of urban sprawl.

While there is no shortage of space to expand that city and build new neighborhoods so everyone can have their own house with a backyard, it costs a lot of money to service those areas.

Their citizens don’t see the need to build more high rise apartment buildings when they have ample space, but the continue rise in utility fees should make them rethink their strategies.

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Douglas S., Nanaimo: I have been following the actions being taken by other cities dealing with the homeless situation. Obviously it is far too expensive to offer them a fully functional apartment. However in an effort to offer dry, safe accommodation a number of cities are building smaller shed homes. They provide heat and light in each unit. I am interested in hearing from the citizens of Nanaimo to gauge if there is support for this type of small community.

Initially I see these units offered to the people in the most need. Drugs and alcohol would be banned. These communities would be offered the very basics – DRY & SAFE. We have to start somewhere and this is an affordable solution especially if the citizens and businesses of Nanaimo offer their help in building these small homes. Additions, like flush toilets, showers, dryers could be considered later as support increases.

NanaimoNewsNOW: The issue with unhoused individuals is a complicated one, and unfortunately, there’s not any simple solutions to it. Addictions and mental health are often contributing factors as to why someone is on the street, and it’s difficult to treat those issues without the proper support.

Housing would certainly be a big step in helping someone build back up. But where would these houses go? And who would pay to have them built? As we’ve noted in the past, the City of Nanaimo and in particular Mayor Leonard Krog, don’t see housing as a municipal issue, rather a provincial one.

What the City can do is campaign for and encourage provincial investment in the region which has resulted in BC Housing committing sizable resources to the community.

Much like shelters and other centres and organizations which cater to the needs of those battling addiction and housing issues, these “smaller shed homes” would need to be in a central location close to these services.

Lack of transportation would also have to be taken into account. A lot of these individuals would likely be on foot or bicycle, so they can’t be located miles from supporting resources.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

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