P.E.I. Premier says homeless support centre must move, but cannot close
CTV
A controversial homeless support centre in Charlottetown is set to be moved after the current location has faced fierce criticism from neighbours, who’ve made accusations of crime, open-air drug use, and harassment.
A controversial homeless support centre in Charlottetown is now set to be moved. The current location has faced fierce criticism from neighbours, who’ve made accusations of crime, open-air drug use, and harassment.
The Community Outreach Centre, on Euston Street, has faced growing calls from neighbours to shut down. The situation around it becoming so out of control Charlottetown’s police chief called it an “un-policable situation.”
The provincial government seems to have heard the communities concerns, and at a surprise announcement Friday, they said they’ve applied for a permit to move the site beside the existing overnight shelter on Park Street.
“We’re trying alleviate the concerns with the location of Euston Street right now and recognize the need to move from that location as quickly as we can” said Premier Dennis King. “It’s not an option from our perspective, to not offer these services.”
The province also promises money for city police, a resident support team to work with neighbours, cleanup crews to deal with garbage and discarded needles, and harsher rules and penalties for clients.
All of which is set to start right away and will be moving with the site if it’s approved.
Officials say they will close the current site within 60 days of that approval from the city.
