The Aboriginal Housing Management Association has become the new managing partner for the Nawican Friendship Centre and emergency homeless shelter in Dawson Creek. The Nawican Friendship Centre, a long-standing space for urban Indigenous families and community members in Dawson Creek, has been in operation for over half a century. Stacey Bourque, the association manager, presented findings from a recent assessment of issues and community concerns to the city council after collecting feedback over six weeks.
Bourque emphasized the importance of bridging care gaps for vulnerable individuals, particularly those struggling with addiction, while also addressing community issues related to public intoxication and substance use. She highlighted concerns about “compassion fatigue” among the public. The association has engaged with various stakeholders, including the city, RCMP, Northern Health, South Peace Community Resources Society, and local businesses, to develop a formal complaint system and mitigation strategy aimed at enhancing community safety and providing support for the unhoused population.
Plans are underway to establish trust and improve relationships with the community, especially with local businesses facing challenges. Bourque mentioned the drafting of a framework for accountability and community safety, which will be shared with the city upon completion. Collaborating with the Dawson Creek Native Housing Society, efforts are being made to secure additional housing options and comprehensive assistance for people experiencing homelessness.
Recognizing the need for more services to address addiction and housing insecurity in Dawson Creek, Bourque stressed the deficiency in housing resources and mental health support in the community compared to larger urban centers. The Nawican Friendship Centre is also seeking approval for a temporary relocation of the shelter to a site approximately 300 meters away from its current location on 102 Avenue. This move is expected to address community concerns while potentially increasing the shelter’s capacity to accommodate up to 24 individuals, up from the current 17 beds.
Mayor Darcy Dober expressed appreciation for the association’s efforts in addressing community concerns and making positive changes based on community feedback. He commended the ongoing collaboration with Bourque and acknowledged the progress made in the past six weeks to address local issues effectively.