A new operating partner for the Nawican Emergency Shelter presented its findings to Dawson Creek City Council on Monday, August 10, 2026, outlining plans to address community concerns and potentially relocate the facility.
Stacey Bourque, revitalization manager with the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA), told council that the organization had spent six weeks assessing issues and gathering feedback from residents, business owners, RCMP, Northern Health, and the South Peace Community Resources Society.
Mayor Darcy Dober thanked Bourque for the work. “I also want to thank you for the last six weeks,” Dober said. “Listening to the community and making some changes that have helped them.”
The Nawican Friendship Centre is seeking a temporary use permit from the city to move the shelter about 300 metres from its current location on 102 Avenue. Bourque said the move would address many of the complaints raised by neighbours and increase bed capacity from 17 to a possible 24.
AHMA is also drafting a formal complaint system and mitigation strategy focused on community safety and support for people experiencing homelessness. A draft framework for accountability will be sent to the city once completed.
Bourque noted that Dawson Creek lacks the housing and mental health supports found in larger centres. “You are significantly lacking in housing. You are significantly lacking in mental health and substance use supports in this community, by no fault of your own,” she said.
The Nawican Friendship Centre has served Dawson Creek for more than 50 years as a gathering space for urban Indigenous families. Its name comes from the Cree language, meaning “I live there” or “a place to call home.” The emergency shelter currently provides year-round, low-barrier overnight housing for 17 adults in gender-inclusive dormitories.
