NANDU nuisance designation: In conversation with Sara EdmondsonNANDU nuisance designation: In conversation with Sara Edmondson
People First Radio
On January 16, Nanaimo City Council declared the overdose prevention site on 264 Nicol Street a nuisance property after receiving a report from city staff detailing social disorder surrounding the site. The site is run by the Nanaimo Area Network of Drug
11:00•26 Jan 2023
Sara Edmondson on Overdose Prevention: The Battle at 264 Nicol Street
“If the site were to close, there would probably be a lot more deaths due to overdose. We get less overdoses here in a month than they do downtown in any given week.”
Imagine running a lifesaving service only to have it labeled a 'nuisance'. That's exactly what happened to the overdose prevention site on 264 Nicol Street, operated by the Nanaimo Area Network of Drug Users (NANDU). In this episode, Sara Edmondson, the volunteer coordinator, sheds light on the struggles and triumphs faced by the site after the City of Nanaimo's recent designation.
The nuisance label allows the city to impose cost recovery measures for services like police and fire department visits, adding a layer of complexity to an already challenging mission. Sara talks about the critical role the site plays in preventing overdose deaths and the ongoing battle for funding. She also highlights how personal connections are pivotal in addiction recovery.
This episode is a deep dive into the community's response, the site's importance, and the relentless efforts of those working to save lives. If you’re interested in understanding the real-world impact of such designations and the human stories behind them, this conversation is a must-listen.
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