This was a fantastic read, and like the other commenters, I appreciated your articulation of the complexity of the subject. Thank you for highlighting that the word "treatment" is an ineffective, vague catch-all; that you could have both a pleasant and immersive downtown experience and also come face to face with the reality of the housing and addictions crises; and that there is nothing wrong with being uncomfortable - but that we must keep talking through it.
So many people are quick to blame individual lack of accountability when it comes to people suffering addictions and experiencing homelessness while often leaving out any mention of institutional accountability. So, thank you for highlighting the need for systems change as well! Great read, and I appreciate getting turned on to your substack from that rascal Andrew Kurjata as well, so don't go too hard on him! Haha.
Darrin, I really appreciate you trying to get at some sort of balance and empathy, for both business owners and for unhoused populations. It's refreshing to see an exploration where you may not declare answers, but also don't vilify one or another. And I appreciate you calling deep attention to trying to figure out systems that caused this mess, again without vilifying or creating divisions.
Foundry is an amazing place (I used to work there too), and is definitely worthy of positive attention. Enjoy your work there!! The people there are the most incredible gift to PG: innovative, kind beyond measure and persistent.
Thanks, Kathy! Grateful for folks like you who have done the challenging (and meaningful) work at a place like Foundry. They deserve way more attention and resources than they currently receive - I was blown away by what I saw happening there.
"Safety " is another word I find very political these days. Safe for who??? Because increasing police presence makes a lot of people less safe, it feels like. I also appreciate your distinction between danger and discomfort here, because I think we often get those confused.
I will be going to this town hall even if I have to take time off work. Darrin, I respect your opinion on things, as well as the opinions of the people who read you. Below is the first draft of the speech I intend on reading at this upcoming town hall, which I hope I see you all at. Darrin, if this is too long or uncool of me to post, feel free to delete it- I get riled up about this kind of thing...
Hello, everyone. Some of you are not going to like this speech. Hopefully more of you do, but this speech is mostly for the people who won’t like it. My name is Spencer. I’ve lived next to downtown for 3 years. I love living downtown. I take great pleasure in walking or biking downtown to go to the farmer’s market, have dinner, or a few beers. I live on one of those tree-named streets that when I first moved here y’all told me to stay away from. Two years ago, I bought a house, that if everything goes right, I will die in, in a good long while.
I am deeply concerned about this “public safety” rhetoric that this town hall is meant to address. Now, some of you may be able to tell from my accent that I didn’t grow up here. I’m quite jealous of those of that did. Prince George, for all its problems, is a fantastic place to live if you are fortunate enough to be able to afford it. I am afraid that some of you may have spent your lives sheltered in this beautiful town, in this beautiful province, in this beautiful country. Maybe it’s because I’m not from here, but I do not take this place for granted. I feel compelled to share my perspective with you because I think a lot of you, especially those of you who comment on the Citizen’s editorials, need some perspective.
Prince George is the safest place I have ever lived in my life. I need you to understand that the existence of homeless people and some petty crime is not the same thing as dangerous. Our greatest threats to our personal safety in this town are driving on the road, breathing in the air from the mills and fires, and the big animals in the woods that like to make their way into town, and even they aren’t too bad.
I understand that some of you feel afraid when you see someone in active addiction, or sleeping rough, or in the throes of a mental health crisis. I am here to tell you, that that isn’t a legitimate fear. Legitimate anxiety, maybe, but not a legitimate fear for your safety or a reason to not go downtown. If you think that downtown is dangerous, I invite you to hop on a plane to where I grew up in the Bronx, where a cop is just as likely to assault you as a gang. Or where I moved here from in Lawton, Oklahoma, where people regularly get shot in instances of road rage. Or where my parents live in Parkland, Florida, where a teenager gunned down over a dozen of his former classmates. Or Ukraine, where many of our neighbors here have come fleeing real violence. Or Gaza, or Sudan, or Haiti.
We’re in Canada! There is no certainty for safety in life anywhere in the world. But by God do we have it good here. We have it so good that we can discuss real solutions to the homelessness problem. And we are already doing a lot, building new public permanent and temporary housing. But as a tradesman, I can tell you that construction takes time. We’re working on it. The province has put a ton of money into it.
We know where homelessness comes from: it comes from a lack of accessible housing, the cost-of-living crises, as well as the toxic drug supply. The first two of those things are something that this city can control very easily if we are brave enough to do it.
Studies have shown that for every $120 average increase in rents, homelessness increases by 9%. 9%! How much has the cost of rent gone up in this city in the last 10 years? Some of you in this room are probably landlords, residential or commercial. Your increased profits are a direct cause of homelessness, and a direct cause of the struggling small businesses in this town. This isn’t up for debate. We are in the midst of a housing crisis and a commercial rents crisis because people are coughing up more money to you than ever. And because you older folks’ homes are worth more than ever.
If you care about this city, as property owners in this city, it is your responsibility to make this place habitable. If you can’t handle that responsibility, then you shouldn’t have it.
I love living here. I love living downtown. I love that we are building housing for the homeless and that I don’t need to worry about getting shot. If you are scared, you need to pull yourself together. Cowardice does not suit you well, Prince George. Are you not the tough as nails, hard-nosed Northerners that I think you are? We have neighbors who need help, buildings to build and an astonishingly beautiful ecosystem to take care of. Let’s stop complaining and get back to work.
Once again you see things with the eye of a photographer. I am interested that you have been involved with Foundry. We recently went there to see what programs were available to help our 16 year old granddaughter. Because she is not on drugs or alcohol and is going to school, they couldn't help find her a safe place to live. Even the ministry would not return our calls. Very frustrating. PS a very good family has taken her in,
This was a fantastic read, and like the other commenters, I appreciated your articulation of the complexity of the subject. Thank you for highlighting that the word "treatment" is an ineffective, vague catch-all; that you could have both a pleasant and immersive downtown experience and also come face to face with the reality of the housing and addictions crises; and that there is nothing wrong with being uncomfortable - but that we must keep talking through it.
So many people are quick to blame individual lack of accountability when it comes to people suffering addictions and experiencing homelessness while often leaving out any mention of institutional accountability. So, thank you for highlighting the need for systems change as well! Great read, and I appreciate getting turned on to your substack from that rascal Andrew Kurjata as well, so don't go too hard on him! Haha.
Thanks, Carolyn. I think that's a spot on summary.
And Andrew knows what's coming for him. ;)
Darrin, I really appreciate you trying to get at some sort of balance and empathy, for both business owners and for unhoused populations. It's refreshing to see an exploration where you may not declare answers, but also don't vilify one or another. And I appreciate you calling deep attention to trying to figure out systems that caused this mess, again without vilifying or creating divisions.
Foundry is an amazing place (I used to work there too), and is definitely worthy of positive attention. Enjoy your work there!! The people there are the most incredible gift to PG: innovative, kind beyond measure and persistent.
(Edited to fix misspelling your name)
Thanks, Kathy! Grateful for folks like you who have done the challenging (and meaningful) work at a place like Foundry. They deserve way more attention and resources than they currently receive - I was blown away by what I saw happening there.
Thank you for articulating much more clearly what is floating around in my brain. It’s so hard 😞
Thanks, Karen - that's really kind of you to say. Hope you're well! :)
"Safety " is another word I find very political these days. Safe for who??? Because increasing police presence makes a lot of people less safe, it feels like. I also appreciate your distinction between danger and discomfort here, because I think we often get those confused.
I will be going to this town hall even if I have to take time off work. Darrin, I respect your opinion on things, as well as the opinions of the people who read you. Below is the first draft of the speech I intend on reading at this upcoming town hall, which I hope I see you all at. Darrin, if this is too long or uncool of me to post, feel free to delete it- I get riled up about this kind of thing...
Hello, everyone. Some of you are not going to like this speech. Hopefully more of you do, but this speech is mostly for the people who won’t like it. My name is Spencer. I’ve lived next to downtown for 3 years. I love living downtown. I take great pleasure in walking or biking downtown to go to the farmer’s market, have dinner, or a few beers. I live on one of those tree-named streets that when I first moved here y’all told me to stay away from. Two years ago, I bought a house, that if everything goes right, I will die in, in a good long while.
I am deeply concerned about this “public safety” rhetoric that this town hall is meant to address. Now, some of you may be able to tell from my accent that I didn’t grow up here. I’m quite jealous of those of that did. Prince George, for all its problems, is a fantastic place to live if you are fortunate enough to be able to afford it. I am afraid that some of you may have spent your lives sheltered in this beautiful town, in this beautiful province, in this beautiful country. Maybe it’s because I’m not from here, but I do not take this place for granted. I feel compelled to share my perspective with you because I think a lot of you, especially those of you who comment on the Citizen’s editorials, need some perspective.
Prince George is the safest place I have ever lived in my life. I need you to understand that the existence of homeless people and some petty crime is not the same thing as dangerous. Our greatest threats to our personal safety in this town are driving on the road, breathing in the air from the mills and fires, and the big animals in the woods that like to make their way into town, and even they aren’t too bad.
I understand that some of you feel afraid when you see someone in active addiction, or sleeping rough, or in the throes of a mental health crisis. I am here to tell you, that that isn’t a legitimate fear. Legitimate anxiety, maybe, but not a legitimate fear for your safety or a reason to not go downtown. If you think that downtown is dangerous, I invite you to hop on a plane to where I grew up in the Bronx, where a cop is just as likely to assault you as a gang. Or where I moved here from in Lawton, Oklahoma, where people regularly get shot in instances of road rage. Or where my parents live in Parkland, Florida, where a teenager gunned down over a dozen of his former classmates. Or Ukraine, where many of our neighbors here have come fleeing real violence. Or Gaza, or Sudan, or Haiti.
We’re in Canada! There is no certainty for safety in life anywhere in the world. But by God do we have it good here. We have it so good that we can discuss real solutions to the homelessness problem. And we are already doing a lot, building new public permanent and temporary housing. But as a tradesman, I can tell you that construction takes time. We’re working on it. The province has put a ton of money into it.
We know where homelessness comes from: it comes from a lack of accessible housing, the cost-of-living crises, as well as the toxic drug supply. The first two of those things are something that this city can control very easily if we are brave enough to do it.
Studies have shown that for every $120 average increase in rents, homelessness increases by 9%. 9%! How much has the cost of rent gone up in this city in the last 10 years? Some of you in this room are probably landlords, residential or commercial. Your increased profits are a direct cause of homelessness, and a direct cause of the struggling small businesses in this town. This isn’t up for debate. We are in the midst of a housing crisis and a commercial rents crisis because people are coughing up more money to you than ever. And because you older folks’ homes are worth more than ever.
If you care about this city, as property owners in this city, it is your responsibility to make this place habitable. If you can’t handle that responsibility, then you shouldn’t have it.
I love living here. I love living downtown. I love that we are building housing for the homeless and that I don’t need to worry about getting shot. If you are scared, you need to pull yourself together. Cowardice does not suit you well, Prince George. Are you not the tough as nails, hard-nosed Northerners that I think you are? We have neighbors who need help, buildings to build and an astonishingly beautiful ecosystem to take care of. Let’s stop complaining and get back to work.
Once again you see things with the eye of a photographer. I am interested that you have been involved with Foundry. We recently went there to see what programs were available to help our 16 year old granddaughter. Because she is not on drugs or alcohol and is going to school, they couldn't help find her a safe place to live. Even the ministry would not return our calls. Very frustrating. PS a very good family has taken her in,