A homeless camp like this one was the scene of a murder last weekend. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Public safety

Murder at Prince Albert homeless camp raises safety concerns for community and staff, says frontline worker

Jul 26, 2023 | 5:00 PM

A man’s death last weekend at a homeless camp in Prince Albert is being described as shocking, and an awareness of what’s happening on the streets.

That’s from Rob Dunlop, director of program development for Prince Albert’s YWCA, who explained to paNOW the fact a gun was involved was a first of its kind event. He said going forward the incident raises definite concerns for both those who live on the streets, as well as the frontline workers.

“It’s prompted a review of how we are going to interact with the community, and we are always working diligently to find better ways to serve that community,” he said.

On Tuesday, Prince Albert Police confirmed the identity of Saturday’s shooting victim as 42-year-old Ponch Tyson Thomas Bird. Speaking Monday with paNOW, Bird’s friend at the camp disclosed the victim died protecting a younger member of their small tented community.

Ponch Bird was a respected leader in his community. (submitted photo)

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Acknowledging he knew Bird personally, Dunlop described Bird as a fine gentleman, who was always very respectful towards the people who offered him services. Dunlop also noted while Bird was offered supports, he often chose to stay with his street family.

“Unfortunately this is what happens when people are forced to have that sort of lifestyle,” he said. “There will be a lot people who miss him.”

Further noting the homeless situation is not a unique problem to Prince Albert, and is happening all over Canada, Dunlop said a community wide strategy must be discussed and must involve all levels of government.

“We all have to pull on the rope together and involve that [homeless] community itself in consultation and let them be a part of the solution,” Dunlop said.

Brian Howell, with Prince Albert’s Riverbank Development Corporation, has done extensive studies on the city’s growing homeless population. Reiterating Dunlop’s comment that Saturday’s incident shows a level of violence not yet seen in the homeless community previously, Howell said it also shows there’s a greater need to get some sort of shelter in place in order to help get the people out of the encampments.

“We just need to have more housing supports, there are more people coming to Prince Albert and the encampments are growing and there’s more of them,” he said.

Prince Albert Police continue to investigate Bird’s death and no arrests have been made at this time.

Anyone with information or video surveillance from the 300 Block of 18th St. E., is encouraged to contact police or Crime Stoppers. Tips can also be submitted online.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell