Neighbours oppose Nanaimo supportive housing project

An online petition opposing a supportive housing project near a Nanaimo recreation hub has garnered more than a thousand signatures in a little over a week.

A petition on Change.org called ‘Stop the homeless shelter at Labieux Rd. Keep Beban park safe for our children’ had 1,366 signatures at press time.

“While the need for housing the homeless in Nanaimo is real, we would like to urge the city to find a more appropriate location. The location at 2020 Labieux Rd. is directly across from Beban park, our city’s largest hub for children’s activities, sports, and recreation,” the petition reads.

The petition was started in response to an announcement from Selina Robinson, minister of municipal affairs and housing, that the government plans to build 90 units of temporary housing on city-owned land at 2020 Labieux Rd.

The province also purchased land at 250 Terminal Ave., for supportive housing. A petition opposing that project has also started.

RELATED: Neighbours petitioning against supportive housing on Terminal Avenue

Cameron Zaharuk, a nearby resident who started the Labieux Road petition, told the News Bulletin it was created out of safety concerns.

“I started it out of frustration after speaking with some of my neighbours and friends,” he said.

Zaharuk said one of the biggest concerns is the safety of children in the neighbourhood, especially with Labieux Road being so close to Beban Park.

B.C. Housing has sent out letters to residents in the area explaining the decision to build supportive housing at Labieux Road, according to Zaharuk, who said he hadn’t received a letter but had seen a copy online.

“There should have been consultation with the community before they went ahead and just decided on it,” he said.

Zaharuk said he is a bit surprised at how many people have signed the petition and hopes the government take the petition and people’s comments seriously.

“I hope that the petition and the comments within the petition weigh heavily on the decision whether or not proceed with the project or not,” he said.

A spokeswoman for ministry of municipal affairs and housing said the ministry is aware of complaints and concerns from residents in Nanaimo and that an open house is planned.

“A community information session will also be organized in November to provide an opportunity for community members to get more information about the plans for the housing,” said the ministry spokeswoman in an e-mailed statement. “The safety of future residents, staff and the surrounding community is the first priority, which is why the housing will have staff available 24 hours a day to ensure that residents are supported and that any community concerns are addressed in a timely manner.”

The supportive housing projects at Labieux and at Terminal are timed in part to correspond with the dismantling of Discontent City homeless camp downtown. Last week, the city cleaned up the 1 Port Drive site and the only residents allowed to remain there are those expecting to move into supportive housing.