REID ALL ABOUT IT – Independent performance audit of shelters is needed

An occasional glimpse into the mayoral life of Reid Hamer-Jackson. Today’s instalment features a notice of motion the mayor will bring to City council at this week’s regular meeting (Tuesday. Nov. 4, 2025). It will be interesting to hear councillors’ reasons — if they provide any — for shooting it down.

NOTICE OF MOTION

Submitted by Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson

Subject: Support for an independent performance audit of all taxpayer funded BC Housing harm reduction/drug housing facilities including shelters and supportive housing facilities in Kamloops

WHEREAS harm reduction~ drug housing facilities including all shelters, motels, hotels, and supportive housing funded through taxpayer-funded BC Housing and operated by non-profit social service agencies in Kamloops, provide critical services but have also experienced significant challenges including record emergency calls, safety incidents, and community impacts affecting residents, staff, and surrounding neighbourhoods;

AND WHEREAS despite substantial public investment, many services promised to improve housing stability, recovery, and community safety have not been consistently delivered, resulting in ongoing strain on emergency responders, local businesses, and nearby residents;

AND WHEREAS it is critical that rapid steps be taken to prevent further deterioration of community conditions and to protect the health and well-being of program participants, staff, and the community at large;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Kamloops write to the Premier of British Columbia, the Minister of Housing, the Minister of Health, and all other relevant ministers and agencies requesting that they commission an independent external performance audit of taxpayer-funded BC Housing harm reduction/drug housing facilities including shelters and supportive housing facilities operated by non-profit social service agencies within Kamloops;

AND THAT the purpose of this audit be to:

1. Assess whether these facilities and programs are delivering the outcomes they are funded and mandated to achieve;
2. Review safety and emergency call data to identify systemic challenges; and
3. Recommend improvements to coordination, accountability, and measurable community results;

AND THAT the City’s correspondence emphasize that we recognize the vital work of local non-profit social agencies while also recognizing that taxpayer-funded programs are structured to effectively supporting residents, staff, and the surrounding community;

AND FURTHER THAT Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson, who has had prior direct engagement with the Premier and several relevant ministers on these matters and holds critical knowledge of local conditions, be authorized to personally advocate on behalf of Council and the City of Kamloops to the Province of British Columbia in support of this request and to advance the community’s concerns for urgent and coordinated action.