The Aboriginal Housing Management Association has become the new operational collaborator of the Nawican Friendship Centre and emergency homeless shelter situated in Dawson Creek. For over five decades, the Nawican Friendship Centre has served as a communal space for urban Indigenous families and locals in Dawson Creek.
Stacey Bourque, the manager of the association, appeared before the city council to present findings from a recent evaluation of issues and community concerns gathered over the previous six weeks. Bourque emphasized the importance of bridging care gaps for vulnerable individuals, particularly those grappling with addiction, while also acknowledging and aiming to address public intoxication and substance use complaints within the community.
To ensure a comprehensive approach, Bourque mentioned that consultations have taken place with various stakeholders, including the city, RCMP, Northern Health, South Peace Community Resources Society, and local business owners. The association is currently in the process of formulating a formal complaint system and a mitigation strategy focused on enhancing community safety and providing support to those experiencing homelessness.
The overarching goal, as stated by Bourque, is to foster trust and improve relationships within the community, especially with local businesses facing challenges. She emphasized the need for operational adjustments to bolster community safety and proposed drafting an accountability framework for these initiatives.
Bourque further highlighted ongoing collaboration with the Dawson Creek Native Housing Society to secure additional housing options for individuals in need, offering comprehensive support services to assist them in transitioning off the streets. Recognizing the pressing need for more services to tackle addiction and housing insecurity in Dawson Creek, Bourque stressed the importance of addressing these critical areas.
Additionally, the Nawican Friendship Centre is in the process of seeking a temporary use permit from the city to relocate the shelter approximately 300 meters from its current location on 102 Avenue. This move is anticipated to address several community concerns while potentially increasing the shelter’s capacity from 17 to 24 beds.
Mayor Darcy Dober expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the association in addressing community concerns and implementing beneficial changes based on feedback received over the past six weeks.