City of Nanaimo officials are monitoring how to manage social disorder issues that are only expected to increase in the months ahead. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

downtown disorder

City examining ways to address Nanaimo’s downtown battered by social disorder

Feb 8, 2021 | 6:03 AM

NANAIMO — A pair of projects addressing downtown social disorder are pushing forward, while City officials monitor how to react to an expected increase in challenges in the months ahead.

Dave LaBerge, the City’s community safety manager, said a daily clean-up initiative received funding for the next year, while enhanced security and outreach work in the Old City Quarter will be maintained for at least the first half of the year.

LeBerge said both projects produced results as the City gauges the landscape as the weather warms up and COVID-19 restrictions eventually ease.

“We have to look at that and adapt to where there’s stress in the community and how it all flows with the new services and housing that’s coming online,” LaBerge said. “I think it’s going to be an interesting year with a lot of changes.”

Those new services include a pair of new warming centres and a new temporary shelter in the community services building on Fitzwilliam St.

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LaBerge anticipates a report to council in the next couple of months will examine options to respond to evolving services and expected increase in homeless populations.

“It’s just not as busy downtown…places like the casino are shut down and that brings with them a lot of use in our parkades and a lot of security that goes with in.”

A renamed clean team comprised of City employees from several departments supported by the RCMP hauled away in excess of 100,000 kilograms of garbage and other derelict items in 2020, LaBerge said.

“We’re really hoping this will be permanent,” LaBerge said, pointing to pressure removed from bylaw employees whose roles were nearly completely social disorder oriented.

The clean team was previously labelled the Social Disorder Response Team by City officials.

LaBerge stressed the project involved more than just enforcement, pointing to ongoing attempts to engage the homeless with social service recommendations.

He acknowledged sometimes a stronger approach is required, pointing to a growing recent trend of homeless sleeping and loitering for hours in private doorways in the downtown core.

“Particularly when there’s those large concentrations and the reality is there has to be a certain element of security and enforcement response to mitigate those impacts.”

LaBerge expected a pair of portable toilets to be installed imminently: on Skinner St. and near the China steps off Terminal Ave.

Darren Moss with the Old City Quarter Business Improvement Association said having their overnight security patrols maintained for the time being can help build on progress made since the program started last summer.

“We were able to meet that balance and find adequate safety and pride of place so tenants were able to work, live and feel comfortable downtown,” Moss told NanaimoNewsNOW.

He said volunteers through and ad hoc committee are focussed on establishing positive relationships with the homeless community and attempting to restore more neighbourhood pride.

Moss believes plans to form a downtown business improvement association will be integral in establishing a healthier climate for everybody who lives, works and visits downtown.

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