Council has voted to proceed with proposed amendments to bring the Parks & Open Space Bylaw in line with the current law. The previous version of the bylaw prohibited overnight sheltering in all parks and municipally-owned open spaces. Such blanket prohibitions have been found by courts in British Columbia and beyond to be unconstitutional if sufficient shelter space is not available.
The amendments were last considered on April 12, when Council voted to delay final reading in order to hear further input from the community and continue discussions with the Province. Having done so, Council voted yesterday to allow temporary overnight sheltering at a single site, located in the area of Lower Patricia Boulevard presently protected for this purpose by court order.
Also approved were measures to address public safety concerns, including funding for two additional police officers, who will be dedicated to the new Provincial Repeat Violent Offender Intervention Initiative; a neighbourhood crime prevention pilot program headed by a specialized contactor; and measures to begin the process of remediating Millennial Park.
Council continues to actively support the Province as it works to implement the infrastructure and supports required to house the most vulnerable in our community, and end encampments in BC municipalities.
Media contact:
Julie Rogers, communications manager
Mobile: 778-349-1386
Email: media@princegeorge.ca