A forum sponsored by Westview Ratepayers Society regarding crime in the community drew more than 200 people to the September 14 meeting at Powell River Recreation Complex, according to organizers.
Society president Ron Woznow said for two hours, there was a civil discussion about the matter. He said he thinks there was a mix of people who all had an interest in helping people live in the community in a safe manner.
“The dialogue that took place, I would summarize it as individuals who live close to the assisted living, pointing out examples of how their quality of life had changed,” said Woznow. “Most of them emphasized that they support assisted housing. The key issue is that there be an appropriate model and resources available in order to operate that facility to minimize impacts to the community.”
Woznow said the assembly heard compelling testimony from people who have been adversely affected by crime. He said the meeting started with him indicating what the ratepayers society was, and the mission is very simple: to enhance the quality of life in Westview.
Then, three letters the ratepayers received from residents were read, going into some detail about experiences of the writers. Woznow said he then opened the floor to questions and suggestions.
“In all, it was two hours of good dialogue,” said Woznow. “I couldn’t believe the numbers. We had a smaller room booked and were advised to go with the theatre. They were spot-on. It’s pretty indicative of the community interest and concern on this issue.”
Woznow said after the meeting, he talked with BC Housing’s manager for the supportive housing project here. Woznow said she asked if he would send her a list of questions, so he is going to provide a list.
“What I found out is that BC Housing actually sets the model that is going to be used for each of their housing units and then they contract with organizations such as Lift Community Services to implement that model,” said Woznow. “That’s quite important in looking at this issue, because everyone might have a tendency to put it onto Lift, but if you are a contractor and BC Housing says we’re contracting you and this is the model you are going to use, and these are the resources you have to hire staff, you have to abide.
“We are going to pursue with BC Housing whether or not there might be a better model to use.”
Woznow said he had been part of a supportive housing project in the 1970s. There was a simple approach, where anyone coming into the program was on a three-month probationary period, where they understood the benefits of the program and their responsibilities, he added. If a resident didn’t abide by the rules, they would be asked to leave, according to Woznow.
“They had three months to understand the importance; there was strong compliance, or they would be out,” said Woznow. “There are ways to set up programs that will assist people who need assistance, but it’s a rigorous process and it takes people who are experienced.”
Sharing concerns
Lift executive director Stuart Clark said his understanding of the September 14 Westview Ratepayers Society meeting was that it was about crime and safety. He said he is a parent and cares about community safety.
“There is no doubt that street crime is on the rise in our community,” said Clark. “This is not unique to our community. It’s happening across the province. The minister of health was talking about this the other day.
“People are concerned and the province is responding in different ways. We’re part of some of those conversations. This is a real issue.”
Clark said in response to the ratepayers meeting that Lift couldn’t attend in the lead-up to a municipal election. He said these meetings can become politicized and Lift does not want to be associated with politicizing anything.
“We said to the Westview Ratepayers Society that we really want to have this conversation,” said Clark. “We want to have it after the election. We need all of the partners in the room to answer the questions. Some of these questions are for BC Housing, whose program is supportive housing, some are for Vancouver Coastal Health, then of course, some are for the police, with crime and safety.
“We definitely want to be a partner in this dialogue for the community but we shouldn’t be the only ones there. I look forward to working with the Westview Ratepayers Society to plan a larger community dialogue with all of the partners.”
Clark said Lift is excited to be part of the solution, as he hopes the community is and other partners are. He said the province has agreed to send some complex care housing funding to this community and that is going to be an “enormous step” in terms of bringing professional resources and health care resources to the people who are on the street or are in housing and need special treatment.
“The good news is that solutions are coming,” said Clark.
Woznow said as a result of the meeting, membership in the Westview Ratepayers Society expanded.
“There definitely was a significant interest,” added Woznow. “We’re here to serve all of Westview, so we’ll continue to respond. If you live in Westview and you’ve got an issue, that’s what we’re here for.”
Those wanting to know more about the Westview Ratepayers Society, or to join, can contact the secretary Rick Craig, whose email is [email protected].
