A small tent community has been created on the city's east side. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Social issues

‘Our vulnerable people are falling through the cracks’: tent city discovered on Prince Albert’s east side

Oct 18, 2021 | 5:30 PM

Roughly half a dozen tents have been set up in a wooded area across from Sask Polytech; the latest example of the city’s growing issues with homelessness.

While many of the campsites were vacant Monday afternoon, several police officers were observed speaking to at least two people. When contacted by paNOW, Donna Brooks, CEO of the Prince Albert YWCA, she was not aware of the small tent community, but added she was also not surprised by it.

“[The government] was warned by every service provider out there that this new system was going to create homelessness,” she said.

In a previous interview, Brooks discussed personal frustrations she had with changes made to the social income support (SIS) program — specifically rent cheques no longer getting paid out directly to the landlords.

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“That might work for 70 per cent of the people on income assistance, but there’s about 30 per cent that doesn’t work for and that is because they might have acquired brain injuries; they might have addictions issues; they might have cognitive issues,” she said.

Brooks explained conversations with the ministry remain ongoing, citing a call she had as recently as Monday morning. She added not only does the change end up putting people on the street but it’s also difficult to get them off the street. The only way they can receive money is by re-applying which has to be done over the phone or physically in the office.

“They have to have a bank account. Some clients can’t get a bank account,” she said.

Brooks further explained even if all those hurdles are cleared, there’s still no way of knowing for sure if future rent cheques will get paid or if the entire process will have to be repeated.

“It’s just created this perfect storm for homelessness in our province and our vulnerable people are falling through the cracks,” she said.

The bylaw unit is handled by the city and Director in Charge Craig Guidinger explained these types of tent communities are popping up across the city.

“Especially now that the weather is starting to turn a bit colder,” he said.

Guidinger explained bylaw works closely with the Prince Albert Police Service, and while bylaw is responsible for cleaning up the mess after the fact, it’s up to the police officers to deal directly with the individuals.

This small structure resembles, in some respects, a small cottage. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Garbage and debris litter the area — a combination of empty bottles, clothing and other objects that may be intended to keep strangers away. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Charlene Tebbutt, a spokesperson for the Prince Albert Police Service, said the work officers are doing is proactive, making sure the individuals know there are supports available to them.

“It is one of our priorities to ensure everyone has suitable housing and that they are safe,” she said.

And while it remains unclear what will happen with the tents, Guindinger acknowledged it’s not just a matter of dealing with a few tents but rather speaks to the city’s larger issue related to homelessness.

Mayor Greg Dionne has mentioned a plan of action is in the works, and will be initiated in the form of a public survey. No timeline was available as of yet.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell