The challenge of operating a low-barrier shelter for homeless people in Coquitlam near businesses and not too far away from a Port Coquitlam park is evident with concerns about drug use and needles in the area.
That’s why it makes sense for the cities of Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam to work with the operators of the shelter at 3030 Gordon Ave. to make sure that programs are in place to ensure the facility is being a good neighbour.
We’re not saying the shelter is a problem. The community needs this facility and we support providing shelter for people who have nowhere else to go.
But at the same time, it’s good to have some assurances, and the recently appointed task force to work with 3030 Gordon operators, RainCity Housing and BC Housing, is a good move.
RainCity has done a reasonably good job of working with cities, police and local businesses. It already has a committee to deal with issues and staff conduct regular needle sweeps of the neighbourhood. It’s not the shelter’s fault if there is outdoor drug use in the city and its staff can’t be everywhere at all times.
At the same time, the cities need to know that the shelter, built on city land and funded by provincial taxpayers, is not worsening the problem. For example, policies must be in place to make the shelter safe for people who don’t do drugs.
While it’s reasonable to expect shelter operators to run the facility without the community breathing down their necks, it’s also helpful that local councillors form a task force to look into matter and ensure that programs are working well.
We look forward to a public report of programs, challenges and successes at the end of the year, when the task force is expected to have concluded its work.
It’s sensible to provide some political and civic oversight to ensure a good relationship and any problems are dealt with.
