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| The relocation of the Homeless shelter to Fisherman's hall made for one topic of discussion at Monday's Council session |
A review of some recent developments for the city's most vulnerable residents and a hint towards what the future may hold made for some of the discsussion at Monday's Prince Rupert City Council session.
The topic was introduced by Councillor Nick Adey, who made note of some of the transitional issues in recent weeks for the providers of the homeless shelter which last month relocated from Third Avenue West to Fishermans' Hall on Fraser Street.
"My last question has to do with the homeless shelter and the transition into the Fish Hall, I see it as a good thing and so on and certainly a necessary thing. I do understand that there were some transitional issues that needed to be taken care of in terms of facilities. So I'm just wondering where we are in the process of bringing that up to what we would call a full service shelter" -- Councillor Nick Adey
Towards some answers, Councillor Cunningham offered some insight on that issue, noting how the City was fast tracking some permits for a shower trailer for the Fraser Street site.
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| Port a Potty's and hand washing stations could soon be seen around the downtown core as a support measure for the city's homeless population (photo from Wikipedia) |
As well Mr. Cunningham outlined how there were plans for up to six port-a-potties to be placed around the downtown area, along with hand washing stations to help alleviate some of the situation for the homeless through the day.
"There is plans in the works right now for anywhere from four to six port-a-potties and hand washing stations throughout the downtown area. It's just all coming together now in the next week or two ... the organizations that have been working for this for awhile are the ones that are going to be sort of spearheading this along with Service Canada." -- Councillor Barry Cunningham
On the permitting process, the Councillor acknowledged that there were challenges in these times to get the necessary permits and requirements in place.
"It should hopefully with the permitting thing, it's a little difficult in these times to run something through City Hall really quick, but from what I understand they've done an excellent job staff, of getting the permits in place and that for the shower trailer. And on the port-a-potties and that I think they are going to be on provincial and private land, so it's just a matter of straightening all this out and it should help any of the homeless during the day" -- Councillor Barry Cunningham
The City's Corporate Administrator Rosa Miller did note how City staff had been working closely with BC Housing on permitting for the Fisherman's Hall, making note of the topic though without going into too many details, adding how the city is actively looking for solutions.
Councillor Cunningham also offered up a glimpse into the future, noting how the local stakeholders are continuing to advocate for housing issues for those in need.
The Councillor however, stopped short when it came to spilling any of the beans on that topic however, leaving it to the respective social organizations to explore the theme further, once the plans are finalized.
"There's other things in the works that are in the near future that are going to be surprising to the city, but also a solution to a lot of our problems in that area" -- Councillor Barry Cunningham
You can review the discussion on the Homeless shelter and other themes of support for he homeless from the City's Video Archive starting at the thirty minute mark.
The situation facing the homeless in Prince Rupert, particularly as the COVID pandemic arrived made for a bit of controversy over the last six weeks. Though that topic wasn't one that was really explored in too much detail, or generated much in the way of discussion on Monday evening.
A look back at some of the recent themes related to affordable housing and housing for the homeless during the COVID period can be found below:
May 1 -- Location, Location, Location ... Mayor Brain makes the call for an expansion on housing in Prince Rupert
April 23 -- After weekend shift, Prince Rupert's Homeless shelter now open at Fisherman's Hall
April 17 -- With shift to Fisherman's Hall ahead for the homeless, North Coast Transition Society issues a call for workers
April 16 -- Fishermans' Hall to be used as temporary homeless shelter as part of COVID-19 response
April 16 -- Work towards homeless shelter continues, new shelter location soon to be finalized
April 15 -- British Columbia communities roll out response to homeless issues during COVID-19 period
April 14 -- North Coast Transition Society shares concerns over public incidents at homeless shelter
April 9 -- Prince Rupert Labour Council calls on City to take action on Homelessness
April 2 -- MLA Rice hopeful of short term solution and longer term resolution to homeless shelter issues in Prince Rupert
March 31 -- MLA Rice taking local lead on response for housing issues for homeless
March 26 -- Prince Rupert Mayor takes issue with local Provincial order to suspend Local State of Emergency
March 25 -- City and Province need to outline what measures they have in mind to assist Prince Rupert's homeless during this pandemic period
A wider overview of the Monday Council session can be found from our Council Timeline Feature.
Further background on Council Discussion topics can be reviewed here.
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