City of Thunder Bay presenting guidelines for designated encampment sites to standing committee on Tuesday
CBC
The City of Thunder Bay is seeking feedback from the Quality of Life Standing Committee on its criteria for designated encampment sites.
City administration will present the criteria to the committee on Tuesday, but no sites are yet being recommended.
Encampment lead Rillee Willianen said administration is currently only seeking feedback on the criteria.
"Subject to their feedback, we will then take that and apply it to identify specific potential options for sites, and then with those sites go out and do some consultation," Willianen said.
Administration plans to go back before the standing committee with site recommendations on March 10.
A report to the committee states that the criteria are in addition to the distance guidelines for encampments, which were approved by council previously.
The criteria include a preference for locations that are already being used as encampments to avoid introducing encampments to new areas.
The sites must be accessible by emergency and other services, and be compatible in terms of land use (meaning, no sites with regular permitted, programmed, or revenue-generating uses, such as parks that host active programs).
Other criteria include:
The report states the city expects it will need three encampment sites: one each in the north and south cores, and one that's not in a core area, but not rural.
In addition, the city may need another site, given the increase in the number of people sheltering in vehicles or trailers.
"While the three designated encampment sites are intended to address tent-based encampments, Administration recognizes that vehicle-based living presents distinct spatial, safety, and servicing considerations," the report states. "As such, there may be a future need to explore a designated location specifically suited to vehicle-based sheltering."
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"Administration will continue to monitor trends and operational pressures and will report back to Council should this additional need arise."
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