If you build it, they will come
To address the homeless and addiction issues facing Duncan at this time. I have been a resident of the Cowichan area for over 30 years. It seems these two issues mentioned above have become apparent about 10 years ago, right about the time the Warmland centre opened. In the middle of three schools no less. Very poor choice!
Now there is a movement to open an injection site across the road from the Warmland centre. This will only cause further destruction of a once vibrant commercial and residential neighbourhood. Including putting our young students at further risk.
However I will suggest an alternative. This is to use the Warmland centre as a transition for those folks who have earned their right to use this haven of independent living as a stepping stone towards joining society again. This is what it was intended for.
Then, open a shelter and safe injection site for those folks who need help with addiction. This could be the old Malaspina campus behind the Duncan Mall. This site is not close to any residential area or commercial concerns.
I see this as a “win, win” as the Ministry of Health already rents space there.
Good questions.
Scott Hayden Luck
Duncan