Nanaimo Soup Kitchen Locked Out Over Alleged Rent Dispute, Leaving Food and Plans in Limbo

A soup kitchen serving Nanaimo’s most vulnerable residents has been locked out of its facility, with $50,000 worth of food and materials inaccessible due to a dispute with the landlord. Stone Soup, run by the Wisteria Community Association, operates from Fitzwilliam Street in the city's Old Quarter, serving nearly 200 people daily.

The eviction occurred on Oct. 18, with the property management company, NAI Commercial, claiming the charity failed to pay rent. However, Wisteria’s vice-president, John Boyes, disputes this claim, showing CBC News receipts indicating rent was paid through Nov. 1.

“How are we supposed to feed the homeless when our facilities are suddenly locked, and we can’t even access the food we had there?” Boyes asked.

The eviction has also derailed Wisteria’s plans to open a new dining room, designed to offer overnight warmth during the cold season. Boyes believes the lockout might be financially motivated, suggesting the landlord could secure higher rent from another tenant.

Chaotic Management Transition

Boyes described difficulties since NAI took over property management a year and a half ago, calling the situation “chaotic.” The kitchen had previously been managed by another company, with fewer issues.

Doug Hiltz, a Wisteria board member, lamented the timing of the lockout. “It’s heartbreaking they shut down the only soup kitchen in Nanaimo just before Christmas when people need it the most,” he said. “For many of these people, their community on the street is their family.”

Community Support Amid Crisis

The MGM Restaurant, located about a kilometre away, has stepped in to help. The restaurant is allowing Wisteria to use its van to serve nightly meals of soup and sandwiches. Despite these efforts, Hiltz says the lockout has disrupted volunteer coordination and meal service schedules.

Wisteria has pledged to continue serving Nanaimo’s unhoused population, with plans for a Boxing Day meal. However, the charity says it will not return to the Fitzwilliam Street location.

“We can’t risk being locked out again,” Hiltz said. “We’re focused on finding a new, permanent location where we can operate without fear of being shut out.”

NAI Commercial did not respond to CBC News' request for comment before publication.