Nanaimo city council is considering increasing funding for restorative justice in the community in next year’s budget.

Restorative justice is an approach that seeks to repair the harm caused by crime and violence by addressing the needs of victims or affected parties, holding offenders or responsible parties meaningfully accountable for their actions, and by engaging the community in the justice process.

In Nanaimo there’s a restorative justice program run by the non-profit Connective, formerly known as the John Howard Society.

It has received $50 000 a year from the city for 20 years to help with the program, but as other funding sources have dried up following the pandemic, the organisation is seeking additional support.

At an October 16th Finance and Audit committee meeting, council decided that they’ll consider granting the organisation an additional $100 000 when it comes time to decide on next year’s budget.

Midcoast Morning speaks with the program’s manager to better understand what restorative justice looks like in the community.