.
PRINCE GEORGE – Given the “changing landscape,” Council has opted to postpone a plan to centralize encampment and beef up security around the camp in Lower Patricia Boulevard.
There were three possible options postponed.
The first option would see overnight security for 12-hour shifts, seven days per week, at a cost of $400,000 per year.
The second option would see 24-hour coverage within the vicinity of Lower Patricia
This option extends Option 1 from 12-hour/day to 24-hour coverage. High-level cost estimates are approximately $800,000 per year.
Option tree would Status quo – no dedicated security presence.
“We pause, we listen and we consult,” was noted.
But Councillor Kyle Sampson noted, “I’m worried we’re expecting something different.”
council did approve installing non-post concrete barriers to ensure access for emergency vehicles and approved the following:
“That Council endorsed the Province’s new “Homes for People” action plan that includes “more homes to support people experiencing homelessness” and “new actions to close encampments” by offering Prince George to serve as a pilot community to implement the new Provincial response teams and housing as soon as possible.”
