The City of Prince George will be putting vehicle gates at the ends of Lower Patricia Boulevard, to reduce vehicle access to Moccasin Flats.
Council unanimously voted in favour of temporarily installing the gates at last night’s (Wednesday) meeting.
Director of Administrative Services Eric Depeneau told Council while the matter is before the courts, they are still obliged to mitigate hazards on the site.
“This measure is intended to limit unauthorized vehicle access, thereby preventing additional trailers or campers from being brought into the area, hedge against illegal dumping, which we believe is occurring on the site, and support remediation efforts, which have been ongoing over the last year and then some,” Depeneau said.
“Ultimately, this creates less congestion and more sanitary conditions for those sheltering on the site, and reduces conflict with neighbouring properties by reducing fire risk as one example.”
Depenau noted this is not intended to impact individuals currently sheltering on the site, and they will still be able to access the area on foot.
Additionally, the report presented to Council stated authorized personnel such as City Staff, RCMP, Fire Rescue and Ambulance would have keys for the gates to ensure access to emergency services.
“This has been a long process for all of us here,” said Councillor Brian Skakun.
“I’d like to have seen action a couple of years ago, but just unfortunately with the way the court case went, and then I think the City took on some of the responsibility of making sure the folks that were in the encampments had places to go.”
Councillor Trudy Klassen asked if there were concerns regarding the installation of the gates impacting the City’s court case.
“Certainly any of the actions we’re taking is in close consultation with our legal counsel, and proud of the relationship that’s been developed with those representing the other parties, so certainly there’s a great deal of information sharing going on,” Depeneau said.
“I don’t have concern there at this time.”
Depeneau noted the installation of the gates would start “as soon as practicable,” and would last until “such a time the site is no longer used as a full-time encampment.”
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