Council compromises on Pathways shelter permit; operator launches community safety committee

“Shelters are a necessary step in helping folks transition to a more positive place,” said one speaker.

“The need does not go away if the permit is not extended,” said another. “It simply becomes more visible, more urgent and more costly.”

“Issues stemming in part due to homelessness will not be improved by making more people homeless,” said a third presenter.

The other side of the coin, eleven mostly local business owners, including the North Shore Business Improvement Association, spoke out against the extension.

“One business reported over $100,000 in shoplifting theft – we are talking chocolate bars, chips and drinks.”

“It’s not working. It hasn’t been working. You are going to add another three years? Okay, waste more money (and) see what happens. There goes the North Shore.”

“Still hearing, ‘Nothing we can do,’ literally in that sentence there. Unfortunately, that is really a terrible excuse.”

One of the most impactful pleas in favour, came directly from one of Pathways’ own clients.

“We were already homeless and we were already here,” Michael MacDonald told council. “The care and attention provided at Pathways just might get people off the street, and I can testify to this because I’m there everyday, and I see their staff. I see the concern and I see the plan.”

RCMP Supt. Jeff Pelley also spoke in favour.

“While there are concerns, the alternative would be having scattered encampments. There would be more frequent and uncontrolled concerns throughout this corridor in a wider area. This could lead to increased property damage,” outlined Pelley.

One of the main voices in opposition was Rob Guido, owner of nearby Drago’s Auto Pro. Guido said he understands the work being done inside the shelter, but worried about the challenges that surround the area.

“Do we need a shelter? One-hundred per cent. Is it working where it is? Absolutely not. We had 20 months as a council to come up with a plan and we didn’t,” said Guido.

In the end, council voted in favour of a 20-month extension of the site, putting pressure back on BC Housing to find a suitable permanent location. The extension will allow Pathways to operate until the end of March 2028.

What will the future hold for Pathways?

With the 20-month extension granted, council was fairly direct, speaking to BC Housing representatives in the room, saying in no uncertain terms the province needs to step up and find a solution before the clock runs out a second time.

A 6-1 vote, seeing the Pathways shelter set to keep operating along Tranquille – a temporary reprieve for the 44 people who call the shelter home.

“I just couldn’t even fathom the thought that council today would not extend some length of time,” said ASK Wellness CEO Bob Hughes. “But I think I was pretty clear in my presentation, and I think we heard it from a number of people who presented tonight – the need for a shelter on the North Shore is not going away.”

ASK Wellness operates the BC Housing shelter, which remains temporary, with council pushing back against the province to find a permanent home.

“Whether it is 20 months or 24 months or the three years that was the original ask, at the end of the day BC Housing needs to get moving and the provincial government needs to get moving on creating the shelter spaces that are required,” said Deputy Mayor Margot Middleton following the meeting.

“The only way that is going to work is the issues we know are happening around the shelter and other shelters across the city… we find the tools to address those issues on the streets that are impacting businesses and the public safety,” added Hughes.

Councillors opined the necessity council even had to make a decision on the shelter as a dereliction of duty from the province. Middleton suggested involuntary care as something that could help move the dial.

“Wishing for more government dollars or better government involvement in these things doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to happen,” said Middleton. “We need to do something to sort of counter that inaction from the government.”

In response to some of the neighbourhood challenges, ASK Wellness has initiated a community safety committee.

“Issues of public safety, this addictions crisis and obviously homelessness, those three issues, that trilogy must be addressed on a provincial level in order for communities to have the social license to do this work,” said Hughes.

Hamer-Jackson chairs meeting despite challenges from council and staff

Prior to the discission beginning, Councillors Mike O’Reilly and Katie Neustaeter declared conflicts of interest. Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson did not.

Hamer-Jackson is currently suing one of the property owners, Joshua Knaak, for defamation. Earlier this year, independent investigator Reece Harding found Hamer-Jackson is in fact in a conflict of interest with respect to Knaak.

“The company that owns the property has outlined concerns about your chairing of this portion of the meeting due to their concerns about conflict of interest,” said Corporate Officer Maria Mazzotta. “We are inviting you, once again, (to state) both whether you have a conflict of interest in this matter and whether you have an open mind regarding this matter.”

“Before we proceed, you have advised me previously not to trust what I read in the media. I recently read in the media that you do not have legal representation. Is that statement accurate and is the legal advice you claim to have regarding this application current?”

Despite that prior warning, Hamer-Jackson continued to chair the meeting.

“I have received a legal opinion,” responded Hamer-Jackson. “And I have told you that many, many times. I believe there are a lot of other people who are in conflict other than me.”

“To confirm for the record you are disregarding the findings of an independent investigator on a code of conflict complaint on conflict of interest in this exact application,” confirmed Mazzotta. “You are disregarding the contents of the correspondence from the owners of the property, signed by all four managing partners. And you are choosing to remain in the room for this item against the recommendation from your council.”

“That is correct,” said Hamer-Jackson.

by Michael Reeve

Council compromises on Pathways shelter permit; operator launches community safety committee

What will the future hold for Pathways?

Hamer-Jackson chairs meeting despite challenges from council and staff

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