Caraquet warming shelter poised to proceed after public outcry delays initial council vote

A temporary emergency warming centre in Caraquet is getting a second chance after facing backlash from residents.

Town council held off voting on a temporary permit for the shelter Jan. 12 following a heated meeting where members of the public shared concerns for the project. Councillors will reconvene early this week to hold the vote after a follow-up meeting swayed the opinions of some local residents.

The Acadian Peninsula Regional Service Commission plans to establish a six-bed overnight shelter at the nearby airport, which isn't used during the winter, to meet the needs of the homeless population in the area — a solution, it said, has been in the works for over two years. 

“Monday afternoon was kind of a storm,” said Caraquet Coun. Pierre Boudreau. 

“Nobody knew what was going on … most of them experienced a lot of fear and they were quite anxious about it.” 

Boudreau said he could not vote, knowing the residents he represents had not been properly informed on the project and had concerns. 

George Godin lives in front of the Acadian Peninsula Airport and his daughter’s backyard connects to the airport property. He said he found out about plans for a warming shelter in the airport at 4 p.m. on Jan. 12.

“Everyone was in a panic … we all know the [homelessness] problem that exists, but nobody wants that in their backyard,” said Godin. 

But he said in just a few days, his opinion — and that of several others — changed.

The Town of Caraquet held a public meeting Jan. 15, where they brought in social workers and those involved in the project. Officials explained why the location was the only feasible option for this year and the security measures that have been put in place.

“Getting into that meeting, the vibe was totally different,” said Godin. “We already had agreed within our heads that we wanted to give that project a chance.”   

Council will vote again on Monday or Tuesday on whether to allow a temporary permit so the project can move forward. Godin said he hopes it passes. 

He said they simply needed time to do research on their own and process the need for the warming centre.  

“We’re dealing with human people, and they deserve help,” he said. "We’re not going to solve the problem, but if we can help a little bit we want to try.”