Nanaimo, B.C., considers building fence at City Hall to protect staff from overdose prevention site

The City of Nanaimo, B.C., is considering building a 1.8-metre-high fence to protect its staff from “congregations” of people, violence and disorder associated with an overdose prevention site next to city hall.

Staff proposing the $412,000 fence cite “intimidation and harassment” of employees, particularly those working early or late, as well as damage to staff vehicles, fires near doorways and building perimeters, human waste, and a general deterioration of the site.