Politicians hung up on word institutionalized for housing

Members of the board of directors at the Regional District of the North Okanagan along with MP Mel Arnold discussed the need for institutionalized housing Wednesday, but were caught up with concerns surrounding the word institutionalized.

During Wednesday’s meeting, Arnold told the board about discussions he had with social services agencies about needs to address the current crisis.

“One of the things that seems to be a theme and no one seems to want to say it yet, is that there is a possibility for institutional type housing that can house those vulnerable people in a safe way, but it’s how do we get someone to say that,” Arnold said.

“You have to be very cautious about the language. It’s become a dangerous world out there, for someone to propose something, if that’s not what the community wants,” Arnold said.