The DTES 'problem' is not a housing problem, SRO employee says
Amidst the B.C. government's struggle with two failed policies addressing the toxic drug crisis, a worker on the front lines of Vancouver's Downtown Eastside (https://globalnews.ca/tag/downtown-eastside) argues that politicians have been misdirected for years.
Earlier this month, Premier David Eby acknowledged the three-year decriminalization pilot's failure (https://globalnews.ca/news/11601344/bc-decriminalized-public-drug-use-premier/).
"We are not reverting to the old policy of decriminalized public drug use in British Columbia," Eby stated on January 6. "It didn't work."
On January 14, Minister of Health Josie Osborne confirmed (https://globalnews.ca/news/11613636/bc-ends-three-year-drug-decriminalization-pilot-program/) that the province would not seek federal renewal of the exemption decriminalizing small hard drug quantities.
Since January 31, 2023, adults in B.C. have been permitted to carry up to 2.5 grams of drugs like meth or cocaine without arrest, but public and police complaints about street disorder led to possession restrictions.
Osborne stated the program fell short of the government's expectations, and decriminalization would end on January 31. Additionally, the B.C. government rolled back its safer supply program to a witness model on December 30, 2025.
Prescription holders of illicit drug alternatives must now take their dose in front of a pharmacist or medical professional.
This followed the B.C. government's announcement last year to overhaul its safe supply program, ensuring prescribed medications are used by their intended recipients.
While the health minister noted that people benefited from prescribed alternatives like hydromorphone during the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns arose about diversion and misuse.
The February 2025 policy shift occurred after the BC Conservatives leaked a briefing from the Ministry of Health (https://globalnews.ca/news/11005999/bc-safe-supply-diversion/) detailing an alleged scheme involving incentives paid by pharmacies to patients, doctors, and housing providers.
"We haven't seen any improvement here regarding businesses and the overall situation," Jillian Skeet told Global News.
Skeet, managing three privately owned single-room occupancy (SRO) buildings, believes the B.C. government and its Downtown Eastside advisor, Larry Campbell, must understand the area's issues.
"Governments for decades have been addressing the wrong problem," Skeet said in an interview. "They view the Downtown Eastside's problem as a housing issue, focusing on inadequate housing."
Skeet noted that private SRO owners often house tenants with severe mental health issues, providing minimal medical support.
A recently renovated SRO unit in one of her buildings was destroyed in six weeks after accepting a tenant with complex challenges, undisclosed during the screening process.
This is a recurring issue, she said, as mentally ill tenants are placed in private rooms without adequate support.
In another building, a tenant with severe hoarding continues to live in a compromised unit, refusing help, according to Skeet.
"The issue lies in untreated mental illness, addiction, and a large criminal element, making stable housing challenging," Skeet explained.
Vancouver Police Chief Const. Steve Rai, a leader in progressive drug policy for decades, advocates for a health-led approach to substance-use disorders, not criminalization.
Facing the toxic and deadly drug crisis, Rai supports the decision to end the pilot project, initially supported by health professionals.
"Decriminalization of simple possession, coupled with safe supply and harm reduction, lacked sufficient investment in prevention, education, treatment, and enforcement," Rai stated on January 15 on X.
In an interview, Rai emphasized that the toxic drug crisis remains a public health emergency, requiring more than policing.
"It won't improve by mere wishful thinking," Rai said about the Downtown Eastside.
He met with Campbell, appointed to improve the DTES's quality of life, and believes the former drug cop and chief coroner will offer an accurate perspective on police and front-line workers' experiences.
"We need backend support and resources to provide the necessary help," Rai said, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach.
Global News requested an interview with Campbell, whose contract is over halfway through, but Eby's office has yet to respond.
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