A growing encampment in downtown Nanaimo was shut down by City bylaw officers recently. It left around 30 people again without shelter in cold, snowy conditions. (City of Nanaimo)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Water Cooler: Shutdown on downtown Nanaimo encampment, snow removal & drain clearing

Jan 9, 2022 | 11:34 AM

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 continued snow clearing efforts through Nanaimo and the recent closure of a downtown homeless encampment.

Shauna A., Nanaimo: It saddens me to see people treated without dignity, who are trying to survive the only way they can. 24hrs notice for removal is humane. I realize safety to the community and of property is paramount, and 24 hrs notice would have been reasonable. That night of the peoples stuff being carted away, would have been a very long cold, distressing night. Shame on Nanaimo, BC Government and Federal Ministries for still not having a low-barrier emergency shelter for the surpluses homeless. So sad.

S. Benson, Nanaimo: So the powers that be are so proud of themselves for throwing people out into the cold in the worst snowstorm of the year that they feature it in photos for the world to see how we treat the less fortunate? hurry on up karma the bullies in warm houses with fat bellies are taunting you. I am ashamed of this aspect of my hometown.

NanaimoNewsNOW: The account for what occurred at the Bastion St. bridge and adjoining parkade encampment is different, depending on who you speak with.

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As noted in our story, the City claims is provided multiple warnings to leave which weren’t followed by people taking shelter there. There was damage to property, alleged threats and general safety concerns for people going through the area.

Those working in neighbouring warming centres and shelters tell a different story, claiming there was no notice of eviction and personal belongings, including tarps and tents, were thrown away. We were unable to independently verify that beyond a picture posted by the Risebridge Project.

The issue of homelessness in the region is a difficult one to deal with.

The City of Nanaimo has repeatedly said it is not their issue to deal with, however they’ve recently begun to provide funding for warming centres and other services in the city.

Mayor Leonard Krog has said repeatedly the issue of housing is provincial and solutions must come from Victoria.

At the end of the day, it’s a numbers game. Tonight, Sunday, Jan. 9, there are a fraction of the spaces needed to provide all those who need it a bed.

Regardless of how the events of last week occurred, all can agree the solution is not an encampment in a parkade, but rather more long-term, sustainable infrastructure.

– – –

Dave, Nanaimo: I love how the city asks you to clear the street drain in front of your house so they can come by and bury after we kept it clear for a week. Poorly trained staff makes everyone look incompetent.

NanaimoNewsNOW: The issue of snow removal has been loud, front and centre since before Christmas. A number of streets in the City still haven’t seen a plow since the flurries began falling while many commuters were left with ice sheets on main roads during a thaw-freeze cycle.

It’s important to note, residents are responsible for their part of snow removal. Keeping sidewalks and drains clear can be a job made much easier with residents clearing out in front of their own homes periodically.

Snow plows can complicate that aspect of the clearing effort, but if a few extra shovels of snow over a drain keeps a road clear, it’s worth it.

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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