Business owners call for removal of large homeless encampment

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Bluesky
• Share on X
• Copy Link

Upon closer inspection of the large tent structure, there appears to be a chimney. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Ringing a bell

Whatever happened to ringette in Prince Albert?

1h ago

Homeless challenges

Business owners call for removal of large homeless encampment

1h ago

Discover Simple Creative Habits That Ease Stress and Lift Your Mood

14h ago

The business owner, who cited personal experiences with theft and vandalism, said they were told months ago by administration at Pelican Lake that a contractor had been hired and the plan was to clear the trees and level the land.

“That’s a big project long term, but they need to hire someone local who can go and clean up the garbage because that’s what keeps bringing the people back.”

With overnight temperatures dropping below freezing, business owners are also concerned about the risk of fires as people at the encampment try to keep warm.

The Prince Albert Fire Department has a fire protection agreement with the RM of Prince Albert, but no such agreement exists with Pelican Lake First Nation. Deputy Chief Alex Paul told paNOW the First Nation would have to agree in writing to the payment terms outlined in the city’s bylaw before crews could respond to a fire on the property.

A wall of blankets separates the encampment from the nearby road, making it very clear the residents wants to be left alone. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

When paNOW first reported on the encampment in September, RM of Prince Albert Reeve Tyrel Tait said the municipality was aware of safety concerns raised by nearby residents and businesses. He said the RM was working with the landowner and RCMP to identify a path forward.

On Tuesday, CAO Rochelle Neff said the RM has no authority to enforce its bylaws on the property because it is Indigenous land. She said the municipality has sought guidance from the provincial and federal governments.

paNOW made several attempts to contact Pelican Lake First Nation administration but had not received a response by publication.

(Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Meanwhile, another large encampment is located directly east of businesses at Cornerstone Crossings in Prince Albert.

A city spokesperson said bylaw staff were aware of that encampment and “actively working on it.”

—

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell