DAWSON CREEK, B.C. - Operators of the Nawican Emergency Shelter say they are taking steps to address concerns from downtown businesses and residents after an independent review of shelter operations identified several areas for improvement.
Representatives from the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) and the Nawican Friendship Centre appeared before Dawson Creek city council this week.
They discussed challenges surrounding the shelter and outline a plan aimed at improving relations with the community.
According to AHMA, the organization recently paid a visit to Dawson Creek and conducted a detailed assessment of the situation.
The focus was on how it can better support the Nawican Friendship Centre in operating the emergency shelter.
The review identified four key priorities: strengthening complaint management and accountability, enhancing supports for individuals struggling with substance use and mental health issues, improving site management and the shelter’s Good Neighbour Policy, and increasing coordination among community partners.
As part of its action plan, the organizations say they will develop a formal complaint-management system.
The Good Neighbour Policy will include regular engagement with nearby businesses and residents. It will also implement neighbourhood mitigation measures, improve education around harm reduction and cultural safety, and strengthen reporting and accountability with the City of Dawson Creek.
The review also examined some of the concerns frequently raised by businesses and residents, including public intoxication, trespassing, litter, noise and disruptive behaviour.
Shelter operators said they plan to address those concerns through increased outreach, enhanced site policies, improved clean-up efforts, regular communication with businesses and a more structured complaint process.
The organizations are also exploring the possibility of relocating the shelter from its current site to the original Nawican Friendship Centre building at 1320 102 Avenue.
According to the presentation, the larger facility could provide improved building design, dedicated outdoor spaces, greater privacy for residents and better opportunities to deliver integrated support services.
Officials believe the move could help reduce reliance on public spaces while improving guest management and site oversight.
Despite ongoing concerns, shelter representatives told council that recent changes have already produced positive results.
They noted that a number of businesses have provided favourable feedback on new initiatives introduced at the site and said the situation appears to be moving in a positive direction.
Council and community stakeholders are expected to continue discussions as the improvement measures are implemented and relocation options are evaluated.