Dawson Creek City Council will decide on September 21, 2026, whether to allow Nawican’s Emergency Homelessness Shelter to relocate from 1401 102 Avenue to 1320 102 Avenue for up to three years. The move aims to increase capacity from 17 to 24 beds and address community concerns about public intoxication and substance use near businesses along 102 Avenue.
The proposal, known as Temporary Use Permit 26-03, would see the shelter operate from the original Nawican Friendship Centre building, roughly 300 metres east of its current location. That building is temporarily closed. Under the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA), which recently took over operations from BC Housing, the relocated shelter would provide expanded indoor space for meals, programming, housing support, and case management. It would also add a secured outdoor area, a 12-foot privacy and security fence, dedicated service areas, and space for staff supervision and monitoring.
During a six-week assessment, AHMA manager Stacey Bourque consulted with the city, RCMP, Northern Health, South Peace Community Resources Society, and local business owners to understand community complaints. Bourque said the goal is to reduce gaps in care for vulnerable people, including those struggling with addiction, while responding to concerns about public intoxication and substance use. “People are struggling with compassion fatigue,” she said.
The 2025 Homeless Count recorded 49 people experiencing homelessness in Dawson Creek on March 14, 2025, with 56 percent identifying as Indigenous. The current shelter has 17 beds, and the relocation could increase capacity to 24.
Residents who want to comment on the proposal have until 12 pm on September 18, 2026, to email [email protected] or write to PO Box 150, Dawson Creek, BC, V1G 4G4. Council will hear the application at 10:00 a.m. on September 21 at the Peace River Regional District Boardroom, 1981 Alaska Avenue.
