The Aboriginal Housing Management Association has become the Nawican Friendship Centre’s new operational partner, including its emergency homeless shelter in Dawson Creek. The centre, a long-standing hub for urban Indigenous families and community members in Dawson Creek, has been in operation for over five decades.
During a recent meeting with the city council, Association manager Stacey Bourque presented findings from an assessment conducted over the past six weeks to address community concerns and identified issues. Bourque emphasized the need to bridge care gaps for vulnerable individuals, particularly those grappling with addiction, while also acknowledging and aiming to tackle complaints regarding public intoxication and substance misuse within the community.
Consultations with various stakeholders, including the city, RCMP, Northern Health, the South Peace Community Resources Society, and local business owners, have been undertaken by the association. Bourque mentioned that a formal complaint system and a mitigation strategy are currently in the works to enhance community safety and provide support for the unhoused population.
To foster trust and improve community relationships, especially with struggling local businesses, operational adjustments are being considered to bolster community safety. Once completed, a draft framework outlining accountability measures will be submitted to the city for review. Collaboration with the Dawson Creek Native Housing Society is also underway to secure additional housing options for those in need and to offer comprehensive support services.
Bourque stressed the necessity for more services to address addiction and housing insecurity in Dawson Creek, noting the shortage of housing options and mental health and substance abuse resources in the area. Additionally, the Nawican Friendship Centre is seeking a temporary use permit from the city to relocate its shelter about 300 meters away from its current site on 102 Avenue. The move is anticipated to address community concerns while potentially increasing the shelter’s capacity from 17 to 24 beds.
Mayor Darcy Dober expressed gratitude for the ongoing collaboration with the association in addressing community issues and implementing beneficial changes based on community feedback.
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