Editor:
I have been following your reporting of our city council as it grapples with issues of homelessness and addiction. Particularly, I am concerned about Councillor Scott Nelson’s positions on the two matters.
Regarding tents for the homeless he is against any tents, preferring the government build housing. That is a commendable position but IN THE MEANTIME?! unless these houses will be build later today, what will the homeless to do tonight?
I suggest Mr. Nelson spent tonight on the streets, from sundown to sunrise, without a tent. While he’s there, he could ask his fellow homeless comrades if they’d like a tent. He is, after all, a big advocate of consulting his constituents.
Regarding safe consumption sites, Mr Nelson was again opposed, preferring rehabilitation centres. Again, a commendable position, but IN THE MEANTIME, what does he suggest? Does he have any idea how many beds would be needed, the cost of each bed, the availability of trained personnel to staff them, or in which decade we are going to see them?
In the meantime, people are dying. Provide safe consumption sites unless you have a more effective, practical solution.
Rather than float all these ideas from Willy Wonka land, I suggest Mr. Nelson deal with the fact that tonight, people will be shivering, maybe dying in the cold, or overdosing from poisoned drugs. Tonight and tomorrow night and on and on. What is he doing about that?
To conclude, I commend the council for the compassionate approach they are taking. These are very difficult problems, hardly unique to our city. The homeless and addicted need as much care as we can provide. We are judged as a community by how we support our weakest and most vulnerable members.
sincerely,
Stuart Westie
Williams Lake
