The Regional District of Nanaimo hopes to have a map of services available throughout the entire region, building off the work done by individual communities. (United Way Northern and Central Vancouver Island)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

taking stock

Another study on poverty concerns and services in Nanaimo-area being applied for

Feb 19, 2020 | 4:58 PM

NANAIMO — More insight will hopefully be granted into the many issues facing low-income residents in the mid-island, though similar work is already being done.

The City of Nanaimo is joining the Nanaimo Regional District in a study known as a regional social needs assessment and strategy.

The District is applying to the Union of B.C. Municipalities for a grant to fund the study. The grant could be up to $150,000 if all regions within the district, such as the towns of Parksville and Qualicum Beach, join in.

The Gabriola Island Local Trust Committee has already voted to participate.

A letter from senior planner Courtney Simpson with the District said the study would first assess the current plight of the entire area and then develop a strategy to address any gaps in services.

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Lisa Bhopalsingh, manager of community planning with the City of Nanaimo, said the assessment syncs nicely with work already being done by the city.

“Issues like poverty are very fluid and we know..there’s a strong inter-regional urban rural connection as people move between the Nanaimo Regional District and the cities for their services, housing (and) transportation.”

Local work mapping services in the community is being done by the health and housing task force and a consultant at a cost of roughly $60,000 from the city.

The service bc211 already has a list of services available in cities across the province.

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