By Spencer Sterritt

Crews working non-stop to complete incoming temporary housing as tent city closure looms

Nov 28, 2018 | 4:47 PM

NANAIMO — Construction crews are working around the clock to make sure incoming temporary housing is ready in time for the closure of Nanaimo’s massive downtown tent city.

Work is happening 24/7 at two sites, 250 Terminal Ave. and the City of Nanaimo’s public works yard on Labieux Rd., to have the temporary modular workplace housing in place and ready to open on Nov. 30.

As of Wednesday, a bulk of the construction was complete but many rooms were unfinished and in rough shape.

The projects will offer 170 units of housing for tent city residents who applied for the chance to live in either a single or double bedroom.

The housing is being quickly developed due to a court-ordered closing of Discontent City at the end of the month.

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Dominic Flanagan, executive director of BC Housing, told reporters after a site walkthrough while the construction won’t be complete by Friday, it won’t stop them from beginning a phased move-in.

Roughly 25 people a day will move into their new living situations. It’s hoped all the units will be occupied by mid-next week, as well as construction being finished.

While living with a secure roof over their head in a heated room, instead of a tent open to the elements, clients can access services from outreach and social work staff.

Angela McNulty-Buell, with Labieux Rd. operators Pacifica Housing, said there will be a wide range of services offered to help people get off and stay off the streets.

“It’s everything for individuals who may have anxiety or hesitation about accessing supports in the community, to returning to school, getting employment and going into treatment.”

Rehab and addictions treatment won’t be offered at the sites, but Island Health is heavily involved in the project and will be on-hand to guide clients into treatment.

Though Pacifica Housing doesn’t use the terms “wet” or “dry” housing, McNulty-Buell said people will be able to do whatever they feel in the comfort of their own room.

“It will be up to their free will to consume whatever substance they choose to consume within the confines of the home they’re paying rent at,” she said.

Units cost $375, the amount alloted for rent in social assistance payments. 

Currently, clients aren’t segregated based on whether they’re addicted to any substances, though McNulty-Buell said it’s something Pacifica Housing is mindful of.

She assured reporters there will be a minimum of three staff members at the housing site at all times, with many more during the day to handle any issues which arise from having so many people together at one location.

Security will be present 24/7 at the outside of clients moving in. BC Housing said they’ll stay at the housing developments as long as needed.

BC Housing couldn’t provide numbers on how many units are filled by tent city residents or by folks living on the streets of Nanaimo. The housing projects were sparked by the ongoing situation at Discontent City and was designed to provide a home to everyone living at 1 Port Dr.

In response to repeated questions about the issue, Flanagan said BC Housing is always looking to develop more long-term and permanent housing.

The site at Terminal Ave. is expected to eventually be the location of a permanent supportive housing facility.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit