The Nawican Friendship Centre and emergency homeless shelter in Dawson Creek have selected the Aboriginal Housing Management Association as their new operational partner. For over five decades, the Centre has served as a community hub for urban Indigenous families. In a recent meeting with the city council, Association manager Stacey Bourque presented findings from a comprehensive assessment conducted over the past six weeks.

Bourque emphasized the association’s commitment to bridging care gaps for vulnerable individuals, particularly those struggling with addiction. Addressing community concerns about public intoxication and substance abuse is also a key priority. Consultations with various stakeholders, including the city, RCMP, Northern Health, South Peace Community Resources Society, and local businesses, have informed the association’s approach.

To promote community safety and support unhoused individuals, the association is developing a formal complaint system and mitigation strategy. Building trust and fostering positive relationships within the community, especially with affected business owners, are central to their strategy. Collaborating with the Dawson Creek Native Housing Society, efforts are underway to secure additional housing options and comprehensive assistance for those in need.

Bourque highlighted the urgent need for more services to tackle addiction and housing insecurity in Dawson Creek. She underscored the scarcity of housing and mental health resources in the community compared to larger urban centers. Seeking a temporary use permit to relocate the shelter to a new site approximately 300 meters away, the Centre aims to address community concerns while expanding the shelter’s capacity from 17 to a potential 24 beds.

Mayor Darcy Dober expressed gratitude for the association’s responsiveness to community feedback and the positive changes implemented in recent weeks. The ongoing collaboration between the association, local authorities, and stakeholders reflects a collective effort to enhance support for vulnerable populations in Dawson Creek.