Downtown Nanaimo social disorder concerns intensify

“I do know everyone in the building, I do deal with their concerns and their concerns have increased over the last six months dramatically,” a frustrated Hamori said.

She received permission from the building’s owners to speak on the record with NanaimoNewsNOW, despite potential negative consequences the coverage may present.

Cardea is situated one block north of the Nanaimo Overdose Prevention Site at 250 Albert St., a high volume daily harm reduction/drug testing facility with support services for intravenous and inhalation drug users.

Hamori said two of Cardea’s tenants have dogs which fell severely ill as a result of suspected illicit drug consumption.

Seniors are afraid to leave their homes, Hamori said.

“What are we supposed to do?”

Hamori said over a dozen incidents of vehicle break-ins have occurred over the last several months, causing financial and emotional hardship for tenants.

Previously parked outside, a vehicle with a bashed-in window now resides in the secured parking garage of the Cardea building. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Additional security cameras and private security patrols have been deployed to better protect the building and its residents, Hamori noted.

The unhoused blocking entrances was also mentioned by Hamori as a concern for tenants

“You can’t move them along all day long, there has to be a greater solution.”

Last month,, the building’s lobby was filled with residents who gathered for a public meeting with Nanaimo-Gabriola Island MLA Sheila Malcolmson.

“We’ve talked to the MLA, we’ve talked to the MP, we’ve talked to City Hall and everyone’s trying their best to help us, it’s just everyone is extended too far and of course my stance is the tenants and their safety,” Hamori said.

She was joined for a sit-down interview by David Lowery, captain of the local Franklyn St. Block Watch.

A downtown resident also serving as a Nanaimo RCMP Community Policing volunteer, David Lowery is heavily invested in creating a safer downtown.

Lowery referenced a harrowing recent incident of a Cardea resident who briefly left his vehicle unlocked on the curb where several valuables were stolen.

The resident located his items being held by two men across the street on Nanaimo City Hall property and confronted the duo.

One of the assailants, holding his cell phone, refused to give it back.

“They pulled knives and threatened him,” Lowery said.

The encounter occurred near the location of a stabbing last Friday afternoon.

While the resident errored by leaving his vehicle unlocked, Lowery said even fully secured vehicles completely free of valuables are being targeted in the immediate area.

“They’re still breaking in and they’re literally camping in these vehicles sometimes. The damage is amazing, it’s thousands and thousands of dollars in damage they’ve caused.”

David Lowery feels it’s important to let the wider community and decision-makers know what all stakeholders in the Franklyn St. area are facing. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Both Lowery and Hamori say the Nanaimo OPS is a primary source of the localized issues.

“Nobody wants a safe injection centre or wellness centre in their neighbourhood, but there has to be a less dense populated area to locate it. The reason we’re seeing this increase in homeless and addicts is because of that site,” Lowery said.

The duo expanded on many new faces among the street community over the last several months, many of them young people.

“The demeanor of these people seems to be changing, it’s getting more dangerous out there and we’re not quite sure what to do about it,” he said.

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by Ian Holmes

Downtown Nanaimo social disorder concerns intensify

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