PETERS: The Loop’s eviction will show us what happens when a bandage is ripped off a gaping wound

Without it, the street-entrenched population will improvise its next gathering spot until another location offering a welcome and a warm meal springs up.

With this literal closed door another one opens — and that is the door of opportunity.

It’s very clear to all that the current approach to street disorder is not working for anyone.

Relying on an operation like The Loop to serve the scores of clients who find themselves on the North Shore is far from ideal — and now we see how temporary it can be.

The Loop is like a bandage on a major traumatic injury. At its best, it’s not a great solution and eventually it gets soaked with blood and is completely ineffective.

That’s why its removal from the scene is an opportunity — an opportunity to do something different. An opportunity to treat the problem comprehensively and properly.

As an alternative approach, the access hub model touted by the City of Kamloops and its many partners has a chance to help turn things around.

Teamwork instead of patchwork.

Each one of The Loop’s clients is different with unique health and social needs and desires.

A coordinated hub that offers face time with a wide variety of services should better ensure people don’t fall through the cracks.

We discussed the definition of success three years ago when The Loop had its business license denied.

Its work has undoubtedly saved lives but has also provided a locus of social disorder and safety issues.

It’s not too much to ask that the spirit behind this community service can be carried out in a way that is more effective for its clients and safer for its neighbours.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

by James Peters

PETERS: The Loop’s eviction will show us what happens when a bandage is ripped off a gaping wound

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