BC community groups call for change to end low-barrier housing/consumption sites in favour of recovery-oriented housing and programs.
Since the BC NDP declared an opioid crisis in 2016, deaths have surged to over 14,000 individuals, impacting communities across the province.
The NDP government, through Provincial Health Authorities, BC Housing and their operators, adopted a “Harm Reduction” strategy, expanding government-supplied drugs, consumption sites, and low-barrier congregate housing. Unfortunately, this approach has failed, leading to rising homelessness, untreated mental health issues, increasing overdose deaths and the decline in public safety for communities. This approach has also incurred significant financial costs, with government funding totalling several billion dollars.
The Government’s policies on expanding low-barrier housing & consumption sites ignore community feedback and research. Legislation like Bill 18, which removes public hearings, and Bill 26, which mutes legal action against the West 7th & Arbutus site, are two examples of attempts to further silence opposition. Recently, when the Richmond community opposed the Cambie proposed site, the government chose to "pause" discussions until after the election, avoiding engagement before voting.
Moreover, community objections are often misrepresented. Many are intentionally positioned by the Government as anti-housing, anti-addiction/mental health and anti-poverty/social justice. In actual fact, objecting communities have been asking for solutions that ensure public safety and support those in need. Proposed sites are frequently located near schools and parks, with insufficient consideration of their impact and little discussion on how individuals can reintegrate into society.
In the recent Leaders Debate on CKNW on October 2nd, David Eby acknowledged that Supportive Housing has not addressed the needs of community safety and outcomes for those in need of help.
The lack of meaningful dialogue about effective solutions is unacceptable.
We urge all candidates to prioritize the halting and removal of pending and current low-barrier congregate housing and consumption sites and emphasize recovery, social reintegration and community and family safety. We also call for policies to track government investments to ensure they are delivering positive outcomes for those in need and to move beyond the current harmful practices.
We ask for parties and candidates to commit and state their positions on the following key initiatives to enhance resources for addiction/mental health treatment and homelessness and keep communities safe and liveable:
We ask all candidates & parties in the October 19th Provincial Election to declare their position on this Call for Change via their Campaign Communication and Social Media Channels, and we ask registered parties to define their strategy in this area clearly for review by the voting public.
Community groups across the province will be available on October 10th to engage with media and candidates in their respective locations, to expand on their experiences further, and to ask questions relevant to their respective locations. The list below represents the primary groups across the Province who have put their voice to this Call for Change.
“We recognize the need for social and supportive housing. However, the 7th/Arbutus proposal fails our community, particularly with a nearby elementary school and women's recovery home. The lack of transparency and engagement from the City and BC government is alarming; we urge candidates to prioritize public safety, community feedback and support for those in need while also holding the government accountable for positive outcomes for all.”
“Keep Richmond Safe supports housing for those experiencing homelessness and treatment for those suffering from addiction and mental health needs but opposes models that risk harming the community. While we support housing for vulnerable populations, the low-barrier model for CPH lacks necessary oversight. Without proper regulations, it could endanger families and children. A balanced approach is needed to ensure both housing and safety.”
“We support care and services for people struggling with homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. However, the model presented for this site has proven to be a failure, both for the people it's designed to help and for the communities they are forced upon. Also, the lack of transparency, consultation, and the outright dismissal of community concerns during the Planning and Public Hearing Process is very disturbing and concerning for the future of public debate. We are calling for change on all fronts.”
“The time for change is now, and the situation at Stephen Village is a clear example of why action is urgently needed. We are deeply concerned about the ongoing issues of drug activity, violence, and public safety risks that have plagued this community. Despite these growing concerns, the mayor and city council have remained silent, leaving our neighbourhoods vulnerable. We are calling on both the current & future government to take decisive action to protect our communities. It’s a matter of public safety that demands immediate attention.”
“Parents want to see neighbourhoods calmed and leaders elected to prioritize the next generation with planning and policies that champion the health and safety of kids first. A focus on children’s safety ultimately helps to safeguard everyone.”
“Our priority is the safety of our vulnerable children and the seniors and people with disabilities who live next door to the proposed site at 2155 Dowler Place. Knowingly and deliberately moving an unregulated, unofficial drug consumption site and hub for unhoused individuals with complex addiction and mental health issues into a quiet, family-oriented neighbourhood is reckless and endangers the safety of families.”
“We believe the community should have input into the type of supportive housing that goes into our neighbourhoods and that public consultation on supportive housing should be mandatory.”
“In 2018, the 7300 Concern Group raised community objections to the temporary modular housing at 7300 Elmbridge Way, but the project proceeded despite our concerns, with promises from BC Housing for effective management. Since then, incidents have confirmed the failure of this low-barrier model, prompting us to call for a change that prioritizes community safety and delivers real results.”