After the Province announced their proposed Bill-45, it has received a wave of push back from various governments.
The bill will make is so local governments applying for an injunction, would need to also provide evidence of reasonably available shelter space, which matches the quality outlined in the legislation.
Williams Lake Councillor, Scott Nelson says they’ve asked the province to withdraw the bill.
“This Bill-45 is bizarre, because it only impedes the ability of a community the help to assist.” says Nelson.
“They’re really handcuffing local communities at this point in time, and it’ll only encourage more homeless camps throughout the province in key areas in downtown locations.”
Nelson added that communities have asked for the province to put proper shelters in communities, which would provide people the ability to rest, eat, and a place to be a long term home.
However, he says they’ve failed to do that, even though it’s the Province’s responsibility to provide shelter.
He notes that they don’t want them sleeping in tents, on sidewalks or sports fields, they need to have proper places to live.
Encampments have been taken down in the City, with one recently behind the Station House, and as of now, the homeless are able to stay at a portion of Boitanio Park overnight.