The Cowichan Valley Citizen recently published a story about Duncan city council denying an emergency shelter for women on Cairnsmore Street and reaction to the news when it was posted on Facebook was mixed but with a sympathetic undertone.
While some had ideas for other sites, like the old SunFM building on the highway, or the old Malaspina buildings on Cowichan Way, others were steadfast in their opinions about the usefulness of shelters one way or the other.
RELATED STORY: Women’s emergency shelter being considered
SEE RELATED: Duncan denies emergency shelter for women on Cairnsmore Street
Aaron Stone chimed in on Facebook with his opinion and experience as mayor of Ladysmith, calling Duncan’s council’s decision “shameful.”
Stone said his town granted a similar shelter three years ago and “it has done nothing but improve the quality of life for everyone in our community.”
Stone said there have been no negative impacts of note, and it’s become a way for resources to connect with the people who need them most; a first step to housing, treatment or the counselling they need.
“So frustrating to see this,” he wrote. “Make sure you get out and VOTE next month.”
Deb Ludvigson said she used to live in the Cairnsmore area and council’s ‘no’ vote reflects “that they were representing most of the homeowners in that area’s views. And regardless of whether it’s a right or wrong vote, isn’t that what we elect our councillors for? To represent.”
Ultimately, councillors Sharon Jackson, Roger Bruce and Tom Duncan voted against the Cairnsmore shelter. Councillors Michelle Staples and Michelle Bell were excused for a conflict of interest. Mayor Phil Kent was the only one in favour.
Sam Lalonde noted the looming opportunity to change up elected officials.
“Isn’t there an election coming up? Seems like a pretty ignorant move,” she wrote.
Carol Gainor agreed.
“Duncan city council sucks and needs [to be] replaced with a younger more with the times generation,” she wrote.
While some believe the issue is about NIMBYism, others remain steadfast in their idea shelters are not the solution.
“Sad for sure,” wrote Lena Williams. “But why enable? Why encourage poor life choices to continue? I’d rather see detox and treatment centers coming out of that money. A shelter isn’t a solution, its just a bandaid.”
Monica Finn had an answer for that.
“People can’t work on themselves when they’re in survival mode so let’s start with getting them basic shelter,” she wrote. “We’re talking about trauma and abuse — tough love is not the answer and we have plenty of research to confirm that.”
Marie Blue had one of the most poignant thoughts on the matter.
“What do people fear so badly that prevents them from seeing the value a woman’s only shelter creates for these women? The fear so great that women in need are left on the street, in the cold, unsafe,” she wrote. “If you are not actively doing something about it, encouraging this project, you are complacent, you are waiting for someone else, you are part of the problem for it is you who can do for these women what they cannot yet do for themselves. Stop stepping on people, stop putting up barriers & give people a hand up.”
sarah.simpson@cowichanvalleycitizen.com
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