After 11 years in business, Deja-Vu Books on lower 3rd Avenue is closing, but it’s not from the effect of the Internet on book sales.
Owner Gary Knutson says the neighbouring Overdose Prevention Site has been a nightmare for his business.
Knutson said people high on drugs will come into the store and steal items or act inappropriately, and customers don’t want to visit the area.
He says they will begin liquidating the store over the next few months, and will lay-off their two staff members.
Knutson is angry he was not consulted prior to the Overdose Prevention Site opening next to him, and there’s been no offers of compensation from Island Health.
He says the thefts from his store and vandalism to his property has become too much to tolerate.
We spoke with other businesses in the area who have had similar experiences, and all have blamed the site for making the neighbourhood worse.