Maroc - MYCAMPBELLRIVERNOW.COM - A La Une - 22/Aug 19:16

City eyes new, temporary overnight camping spots downtown

With a new supportive village under construction on Homewood Road, the city is looking at other sites downtown for temporary overnight camping. The new village will provide 40 spaces and support services for the homeless population, but the city expects other overnight sheltering spaces will still be needed. Staff have identified three potential locations: the parking lot on Beech Street, behind the Service Canada centre; the Enterprise Centre parking lot near city hall; and the north end of Ostler Park. A report from the community safety department says none of the sites are ideal and should be temporary. Once the Homewood Village is open, staff will have a better idea of the community need for overnight shelter space. The report, attached to a recommended amendment to the Public Nuisance Bylaw, says BC case law requires the city to maintain a place for overnight camping, so people have a safe and accessible place to go. The current site on Homewood Road, where the new village is under construction, was designated as such during the pandemic in 2019 and there are normally between six and 22 people camping there at all times. The report calls for the sites to established with a minimal impact on the surrounding areas, and that $100,000 be allocated to build fencing, washrooms, and provide security and staffing where needed. As well, bylaw staff would be required to patrol every day "to prevent entrenchment." Council will review the options at its Thursday night meeting. The post City eyes new, temporary overnight camping spots downtown appeared first on My Campbell River Now.