PETERS: Boyle’s supportive housing move is data-driven decision-making gone wrong

It wouldn’t last.

Kahlon was shuffled out of that portfolio and succeeded by Boyle, who, it was clear in her interview with CFJC‘s Michael Reeve this week, is not interested in that kind of relationship.

Boyle is interested in what the data says.

She referred to the most recent point-in-time count that showed 313 people experiencing homelessness in Kamloops, many who say tough rules around substance use keep them out of long-term housing.

Low-barrier options are needed but that’s just one part of a continuum of housing that is a much more viable path for success for people.

If people with substance use disorder are not provided with something to work toward — recovery — they will simply be stuck in a vicious cycle that continually boots them to the street.

Service providers in Kamloops are on the same page.

They know what this community needs far more than the politicians, the number-crunchers and the muckety-mucks in Victoria.

Boyle may want to rely solely on the data to inform her decision-making because it allows her to apply the same thinking across the entire province without needing to forge those relationships.

She can rely on the data in Kamloops, in Prince George, in Nanaimo, in Vancouver and just plow forward.

After all, relationships are tough.

Why go to the trouble when you can just look at the numbers?

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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: Boyle’s supportive housing move is data-driven decision-making gone wrong

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