One of several occupied tents observed earlier this week. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Social dilemma

‘It’s a complicated issue’: Police chief discusses approach to tented community

Oct 21, 2021 | 5:00 PM

A small tent community and what’s being done to support the occupants was among the topics raised during Thursday’s Board of Police Commissioners meeting.

The question was posed to Police Chief Jon Bergen by board member Janet Carriere, who is also the executive director of the Indian Metis Friendship Centre. Bergen confirmed members had been at the site this week and were handing out cards to people containing contact information for support services.

“Do your members understand that the group in the tents want to be homeless?” Carriere asked.

Janet Carriere. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

On Wednesday, paNOW walked through the small tented community. The majority of the tents were vacant but police, in partnership with bylaw enforcement, were observed speaking to at least two individuals. Bergen confirmed officers had very respectful conversations.

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“We can’t just displace people from where they are choosing to live without some alternative options that work for the community and works for the individual,” he said

Bergen further explained it’s a difficult issue when someone is choosing that lifestyle, adding the priority of the police service is the safety of the individuals.

“It’s a complicated issue,” he said.

A copy of the small cards being distributed by officers to the city’s homeless. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Bergen did acknowledge an article published on paNOW Wednesday, explaining it provides an important voice to the conversation. In response, Carriere re-iterated it’s important the public knows there are people who choose to be homeless, so the focus needs to be how we as a community can support that, and how we can make that work for everyone in our community.

“I think that’s something we have missed in many conversations previously and so we need to look at that reality and try to create something that works around that,” she said.

Chad Ryan, Acting Executive Director of Income Assistance Service Delivery, provided a statement to paNOW, advising the Ministry of Social Services was aware of the situation and encouraged anyone requiring assistance to connect with the Ministry’s Income Assistance office.

“Income assistance workers can support eligible individuals to access shelter services available in the community, or a hotel stay if no appropriate beds are available. Staff can also support individuals in applying for income assistance benefits, and making plans to connect to longer term housing options,” he said.

Ryan explained the ministry continues to work with community partners and are engaging daily with the YWCA Stepping Stones shelter to serve vulnerable individuals in Prince Albert and area.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell