For the past few weeks, late nigh traffic through this parking lot has been drastically reduced. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Homeless

P.A. homeless advocate says high-pitched squeal not answer to stopping unwanted traffic

Aug 2, 2022 | 9:00 AM

Anyone passing through Prince Albert’s downtown core in the past few weeks may have noticed a high-pitched squeal coming from a building that houses a number of government-related services.

paNOW has learned the measure has been taken to drive away unwanted traffic from the building’s rear parking area and runs from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. At least three people working in the building have described seeing syringes constantly, finding discarded weapons and feces, and even catching people having sex.

Donna Brooks, Executive Director of the Prince Albert YWCA, told paNOW that she believes there’s a more positive approach that can be taken to address the problems at hand.

“That’s like putting spikes on park benches so people who are homeless don’t sleep there. I just don’t think it’s a compassionate approach that would work well in Canada,” she said.

Brooks explained that during the pandemic there was talk of the city establishing a committee, that would come up with proactive solutions, but noted nothing further has come from that.

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“And I think that would be a much more positive approach,” Brooks said. “Having a building that emits a squeal is only gonna push the people to another building.”

paNOW spoke with a couple of business owners in the area. One said he prefers the use of a recently established security team, who he added has been very efficient and professional in their approach to addressing complaints about drug users, and arrive faster than the police.

Another said she agrees with any initiative that will deter people from breaking her windows.

paNOW has made multiple attempts to contact the building’s owner for comment but they have so far not responded.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell