Latest news with #LeonardKrog
Global News
09-05-2025
- Health
- Global News
Province to build supportive housing for people in Nanaimo
The B.C. government announced it is building housing for people experiencing homelessness in Nanaimo. The province, through BC Housing, is providing approximately $32 million to deliver the spaces across three sites: 50 new units at 1300 Island Hwy. S., operated by Connective Support Society 59 new units at 1030 Old Victoria Rd., operated by Vancouver Island Mental Health Society 78 renovated units at the Sparrow, 1298 Nelson St., operated by Pacifica Housing 'Bringing people indoors is the first step toward stability for people who need it, and is key to strengthening our communities,' Ravi Kahlon, minister of housing and municipal affairs, said in a statement. 'That's why we're providing more temporary housing units with vital supports for people in Nanaimo. Homelessness is a tough challenge, but we've been doing the work and we're starting to make real progress helping people move indoors.' Story continues below advertisement 1:02 Former B.C. Conservative candidate claims her car was intentionally set on fire People who have been staying in overnight shelters will have priority access to the spaces and are expected to move into 1300 Island Hwy. this spring, the province said. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'Move-ins at the other sites will begin in summer 2025. All sites will have individual units, shared amenity spaces, meals and laundry services, on-site staff 24/7, one entrance, and referrals to community programs essential to the health and wellness of residents.' The province also said it will provide new permanent supportive housing to help support people after the eventual closure of temporary sites. A rezoning application has been submitted for approximately 60 units at McKenzie Avenue, adjacent to the 1030 Old Victoria Rd. temporary housing site. 'Without housing, no person can have a healthy life,' Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog said in a statement. Story continues below advertisement 'The partnership with the city set out in the HEART and HEARTH MOU means that over 200 people are going to have a safe secure place to live where they can better their own lives and move beyond the misery of living in the streets.'
Global News
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Nanaim-oh no: Vandals target Vancouver Island city's iconic sign
The mayor of Nanaimo, B.C., is calling out vandals who defaced the iconic sign bearing the city's name. The letter 'O' on the Nanaimo sign in Maffeo Sutton Park is normally painted in rainbow colours, but someone repainted it white on Monday. It's not clear what the vandals' motivation was, but Mayor Leonard Krog said he believes it may be because the multi-coloured O resembles a logo used by the World Economic Forum. 1:59 Hundreds of Americans gather in Nanaimo after social media invite 'It may be the anti-World Economic Forum conspiracy crowd who think the diversity colours represent some secret connection with the WEF, which is absolute bunk and garbage.' Story continues below advertisement The colours in the O are actually a representation of diversity, Krog said. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'The colours on the O of Nanaimo represent diversity. It is a message to the world that Nanaimo is a welcoming, accepting community for everyone, regardless of colour, ethnicity, orientation, whatever distinction you may wish to make,' he said. 'And if you resent diversity, with great respect, you are living in the wrong country.' 1:58 Americans 'invade' Nanaimo to help boost economy Krog said the vandalism was in particularly poor taste, coming just a day after the same park was the site of a gathering of locals and Americans invited to town in the spirit of friendship amid tensions with the U.S. 'It was just as stupid thing to do and a damn dumb time to do it,' he said. Story continues below advertisement It's not the first time the sign has been defaced. Last year, someone spray-painted the sign, also with a message opposing the WEF. The white paint has since been removed.
