Port Coquitlam Neighborhood in Turmoil After Care Agency Move-In
Residents of a once-tranquil street in Port Coquitlam are expressing deep concerns following the arrival of a care agency that has led to more than fifty police interventions since September. The situation has escalated with reports of screaming, property destruction, and a significant impact on the community's sense of safety.
Escalating Disturbances and Police Response
Since a non-profit social-housing provider, contracted by Community Living B.C., moved two staff members and a person under their care into the neighborhood in September, police have been called to the location over fifty times. Neighbors describe a pattern of disruptive behavior, including the resident repeatedly damaging the property's front door, kicking holes in the garage door, and smashing the windshield of a car parked in the driveway.
Additionally, the individual has been observed on the balcony, yelling expletives for hours on end. This is particularly alarming in an area populated with young children, featuring both a daycare and an elementary school. Residents feel that the person is not receiving adequate care, leading to a deterioration in their mental health and ongoing chaos.
Community Reactions and Official Actions
Neighbor Amanda Kerby, a mother of two young children, recounted receiving a flyer from Connective, the non-profit provider, four months ago. The flyer informed her that the agency would be running a program to help a resident "achieve their goals" and mentioned increased activity during the transition period. However, within days, police responded to the first disturbance, and by the second week, intense screaming episodes began.
Kerby noted that police advised residents not to call immediately, but a neighbor from several blocks away eventually contacted authorities after a screaming incident lasted approximately two and a half hours. She expressed concerns that the staff may lack the qualifications to handle the level of care required, as the resident's condition appears to have worsened.
In response, Kerby contacted the city, which led to an inspection by police and the landlord. They discovered that staff had constructed a bunker inside the home to hide during the resident's screaming episodes. Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West confirmed these events, stating that the city has fined both Connective and Community Living B.C. over $10,000 since September for bylaw violations.
Broader Implications and Safety Measures
The ongoing disturbances have shaken the neighborhood, with residents feeling unsafe and questioning the effectiveness of the care provided. The location of the home has not been disclosed to protect the safety of both the resident and neighbors, highlighting the sensitive nature of the situation.
This case raises important questions about the support systems for individuals under care and the impact on surrounding communities. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, residents hope for a resolution that ensures both the well-being of the individual and the peace of the neighborhood.
