The contentious issue of low barrier social housing will go to a fourth night of public hearings after residents once again packed Shaw Auditorium to voice their concerns and comments on the issue.
Nanaimo Mayor John Ruttan said council will do "whatever it takes" to listen to everybody who has something to say on the matter.
"It's a difficult issue and I don't know if there is an easy answer or an easy solution," said Ruttan. "It's difficult for people in the area and it's certainly challenging for council as well."
Through the province's Housing First strategy, the city is in the process of rezoning 1406 Bowen Rd. to accommodate a 36-unit social housing project that will allow residents who use drugs and alcohol to reside there.
Most nearby residents are concerned about the negative affects the facility will have on the neighbourhood, and some worry about its proximity to Quarterway Elementary School.
The fourth hearing is scheduled to take place Wednesday (May 11) at the Shaw Auditorium in the Port of Nanaimo Centre.
The public hearing was prompted by the first two readings of the rezoning application which passed 7-1 earlier last month. Once the public hearing is complete, council will then vote on the third reading and possible adoption of the bylaw.