The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) would like the City of Prince George to collaborate with local Indigenous organizations and service providers to develop a plan to address homelessness.
City Hall distributed notices of eviction to residents of a tent city occupying a vacant lot downtown, demanding those to vacate by June 25th, without supports for relocation or alternative spaces to live.
Homelessness in Prince George has reached a crisis point according to the FLNC in a news release.
“The homelessness crisis in Canada is complex, multifaceted, and cannot be addressed with these kinds of blunt and short-sighted approaches,” said Regional Chief Terry Teegee of the BC Assembly of First Nations.
“City Hall’s approach continually re-traumatizes these vulnerable people, many of whom are suffering from the intergenerational impacts of residential schools. The City of Prince George has a long-term plan to house people experiencing homelessness, but they need to work with First Nations and other service organizations in the meantime to ensure humane treatment of these vulnerable people.”
Union of BC Indian Chiefs Grand Chief Stewart Phillip echoed Teegee’s sentiments.
“We demand the City’s eviction notice be rescinded until such time as they have a way forward that treats those impacted with dignity and respect,”
Tonight (Monday), city council will consider the first three readings for a proposed new Bylaw called the ‘Safe Streets Bylaw’, which deals with a range of issues including aggressive panhandling, loitering, littering. sidewalk obstruction, graffiti, open drug use, and needle disposal.
In addition, council will also consider directing the administration to amend the current ‘Parks and Open Spaces Bylaw’.
The actions would give the City clearer authority on removing people who are camping, creating fires, consuming alcohol, or engaging in nuisance activities in parks and open spaces.
The meeting begins at 6 pm from City Hall.
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