The Safe Streets Bylaw in Prince George is close to becoming reality.
At last night’s meeting (Monday), City Council passed the first three readings as it’s meant to combat issues like aggressive panhandling and temporary shelters.
Kerry Pateman with Community Partners Addressing Homelessness told MyPGNow.com this is nothing more than a band-aid solution.
“Really, those living in poverty and staying on the street cannot afford to pay fines, so number one it is not going to work and we believe it will just move the situation around not really making it a solution.”
She believes the city would have been better off allowing camping in a certain area instead of issuing eviction notices.
Pateman mentioned several agencies proposed to place containers or trailers with showers and bathrooms in certain areas to allow outdoor camping.
However, that idea was shot down by the city.
“So, we are kind of at a standstill. I know that various agencies and outreach workers have connected with many of the individuals in that tent encampment and as expected, the needs are complex.”
Pateman has empathy for business owners and residents who fear for their safety and have been caught in some encounters with the local homeless population in the past.
However, there is one thought she would like the general population to consider.
“Perhaps the area that the city should allow individuals to go is away from the downtown so that’s an option. I think the message to the community is that these are individuals and they all have a variety of different reasons for being in the situation they are at.”
“These people are citizens of Prince George and we need to think about their safety as well.”
Pateman also wanted to snuff out the misnomers people are kicked out of shelters during the day and that sobriety is required before people can stay in them.
“They don’t require individuals accessing shelters to be clean and sober. Shelters do have rules and maybe don’t allow drugs and alcohol use in the shelters. If somebody is under the influence they are still allowed to access them.”
BC Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee along with members of the First Nations Leadership Council has also called for an end to homeless evictions, showing non-confidence in the Safe Streets Bylaw.