By Spencer Sterritt

‘They’re just people:’ operators try to quell public concern ahead of tent city move

Oct 18, 2018 | 4:34 PM

NANAIMO — Familiar questions and concerns are being asked about new temporary housing coming to Nanaimo.

A petition is circulating in the neighbourhood around 250 Terminal Ave, where 80 units of temporary modular housing is projected to be in operation by the end of November. NanaimoNewsNOW has also heard comments from concerned parents who take their children to Beban Park, near the City-owned Public Works Yard on Labieux Rd. which will house another 90 people. Occupants of the housing will be primarily from downtown Nanaimo’s tent city, which sprawled to roughly 300 people at its peak over the summer. 

“I understand the fear,” Pacifica Housings acting executive director Angelas McNulty-Beull told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Pacifica will operate the units coming to the Labieux Rd. site.

“What I always say is these individuals who are homeless, there are often a few individuals within who taint the whole group. The majority of people we will be housing are individuals who are living in poverty or on disability for a myriad of reasons. They’re just people…there’s really nothing to fear.”

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Violet Hayes, executive director of Island Crisis Care Society, who will operate the 250 Terminal Ave. site, echoed McNulty-Buell’s comments.

“There’s so many people we help whose circumstances didn’t go their way and they so desperately just need that hand up. It’s a huge need and it’s something we can do as a community and be proud of.”

Hayes said it’s her understanding Island Crisis Care Society was approached to operate the Terminal Ave. housing project because of their extensive history with helping women in need. She said BC Housing identified “quite a few” vulnerable women at downtown Nanaimo’s Discontent City who will need specific services.

“From what I’ve heard, I think there will be enough to fill (the Terminal Ave. location) with women but at this time we don’t know.”

Both executive directors acknowledged they’d heard concerns from the community and were open and willing to talk to residents who oppose the location of the sites.

Details are currently being discussed between the operators and BC Housing about the sites, but it’s expected all staffing positions will be filled when the first tent city residents arrive.

BC Housing said operating budgets have not yet been finalized and the length of the temporary lease at Labieux Rd. hasn’t been determined.

A petition from residents near 250 Terminal Ave. is now circulating and was given to Nanaimo city council.

Concerned resident Peter Giovando told NanaimoNewsNOW many are concerned about the nature of the neighbourhood after the housing is installed and also the process which it was introduced.

“It’s clear from what’s happening at the tent city there have been problems with theft, vandalism and violence. I know there are going to be supports in place, but I question whether they’re going to be adequate.”

Giovando said the speed of the development being introduced into the neighbourhood is disconcerting.

“If someone buys a piece of property in the neighbourhood and intends to use it for a purpose which doesn’t comply with the bylaws, the rules will be followed and there will be a rezoning bylaw and a public hearing and that’s not happening here.”

There are multiple different zoning bylaws existing for the site on and around 250 Terminal Ave., some of which would provide for the type of housing being installed by the province.

There are regulations allowing the province to temporarily supersede existing zoning bylaws, though any long-term development at the site would require a full rezoning application, triggering a public hearing.

Concerned residents also started an online petition opposing the housing destined for Labieux. The online document garnered more than 800 signatures in the first 48 hours.

Nanaimo mayor Bill McKay said he’s seen the petition and agrees not enough consultation was done with area residents or the City.

“However, we’re also hearing from community members who are well-informed on the homeless issue and these types of developments. They’re out there trying to support it. It’s great to have conversation.”

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit