City Council decided that Prince George will be moving towards a centralized homelessness approach during Monday’s council meeting.
The news was controversial, drawing some pushback from local groups who work closely with our homeless population, and the Office of the Federal Housing Advocate.
I am deeply concerned to hear about the city of Prince George’s dangerous plan to create a centralized, police-monitored homeless encampment at #MoccasinFlats. The proposed plan will violate Indigenous rights and the human rights of people experiencing homelessness. – MJ pic.twitter.com/qt3HQK4BHU
— Office of the Federal Housing Advocate (@HousingLogement) March 16, 2023
The city has released a statement on the plan this afternoon.
One key point in the statement is that amendments to the Parks and Open Space Bylaw are scheduled to come before council on April 12th.
They also said “the City anticipates that the amendments to the Parks and Open Space Bylaw will elicit strong opinions from many members of the community, and is aware that outdoor sheltering areas frequently raise safety concerns, for both individuals sheltering outdoors and the broader public. Council has directed staff to urgently report on specific measures to protect the safety of both occupants of the Lower Patricia area and residents of the Millar Addition, and consideration of those options is scheduled for April 12,” acknowledging the differing opinions and making it clear they will proceed.
They added they will continue working and fighting to get the provincial government more involved in finding full solutions – as housing is more their jurisdiction than the city’s.
For their full release, click here.