By Corey Fischer

Homeless Issue Back Before Council

Oct 6, 2017 | 2:30 PM

Vernon city council will be discussing ongoing issues with homeless residents at its meeting Tuesday.

Protective Services Manager Geoff Gaucher says in a report to council, there are two main overnight shelter sites including Linear Park on 25th Avenue.

Gaucher says four groups of about 10 people have been staying there, with numbers increasing during the day as others come to visit.

He says there’s been recent incidents involving open drug use and hostile behaviour toward bylaw officers.

“RCMP have been contacted and administration is setting up a plan to patrol in teams with the RCMP to ensure the safety of City staff during darkness.

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Gaucher says city council could decide to limit access to Linear Park but that would likely shift people into other residential and commercial areas.

“Displacement of ‘permanent’ camps at Polson Park and allowance for temporary shelter has moved individuals into other areas of the community, and created issues both within the downtown core, and on private property,” write Gaucher. “If Polson Park is the more optimal location, then some consideration for stage would need to be established.”

The other main shelter site is at the south end of Polson Park below the hospital where 8 people have been staying.

Gaucher says a few tents have also popped up in Alexis Park, and there is a small group of people on property behind London Drugs which on Ministry of Transportation/RDNO land.

by Corey Fischer