By David Wiwchar

supportive housing remains a hot topic

Microphones turned off as Alberni Committee meeting becomes unruly

Mar 17, 2026 | 9:12 AM

PORT ALBERNI — The shouting was loud, but the sound was off in parts during a Committee of the Whole meeting at Port Alberni City Hall.

Speakers on Wednesday, March 17, had their microphones turned off by the Mayor after the meeting became unruly, but people watching at home couldn’t hear the exchanges as the online audio feed wasn’t working, so the meeting was called into recess to bring the gathering back on track.

Roseanne Doiron of the group ‘Right Place, Right Plan’ continues to lobby council to stop the supportive housing project on 2nd Avenue, and is critical of the Lookout Society, who they believe will be running the facility.

“We are fighting so hard – I want the community to know that,” she said. “We are fighting so hard to bring all the facts and all the information we can gather from all the other facilities that are managed by Lookout and we are here to support our community in doing this right.”

Mayor Sharie Minions said she has met with the Lookout Society and leaders in the communities where they operate.

living a dream

VIDEO: 'Gifting me these moments:' Nanaimo woman performs live with Goo Goo Dolls

1h ago

special group

Bleary-eyed Mariners return to Nanaimo as national champions

16h ago

downgraded charge

Nanaimo woman fined after fatal 2024 collision at Woodgrove Centre

18h ago

“What I’ve consistently heard is that they are a collaborative community member, that they regularly engage the community, that they keep their spaces clean and tidy, and that they provide really quality housing to vulnerable members of the community in a very kind and compassionate way, so I will optimistically expect that it will be just as good an experience in our community as well,” she said.

Minions said City Council will be taking a trip to Cowichan and Courtenay to view Lookout Society’s supportive housing units in those communities, adding that it is up to BC Housing to choose the operator for the Port Alberni facility.

Photo: Council critic Neil Anderson walks away from the podium after the microphone was turned off.