Prince George Mayor Simon Yu stated he is slowly and surely building up a plan to address the city’s homeless situation.
In an interview with Vista Radio, Yu noted he checks this file on a daily basis, keeping up with the bylaw department as well as the number of available shelter spaces so that some of our most vulnerable can keep warm during the chilly season.
Yu added consultation with the provincial government is also needed to determine the appropriate support for those living on the street.
“I will be working with the next level of government to find the appropriate programs to address this very important and very sad problem for our brothers and sisters on the street.”
“But, there are people who really do want to stay out on the street. For these folks, we have been placing out garbage cans and making sure there is come cleaning activity that they can do. This is what I am trying to under, all the angles and operations, which spans to just over 20 groups – they are trying very hard to help these people.”
Yu has been in the mayor’s chair for less than three months and admits the adjustment to public life has been a pretty big change.
“It’s been a big change of career (Yu has an engineering background) as I am now a public figure. My lifestyle, of course, has changed and I am still learning but I will try my best to use my knowledge of the city and of the region to put it to work.”
Yu also admitted he has been hearing the same rumors as the public about a No Frills grocery store potentially setting up shop at the soon-to-be-vacated Save-on-Foods location in the Parkwood Mall.
To this point, Yu mentioned no business license application or written confirmation has been submitted by Loblaws.