By Cheryl Jahn

Forty-three new homes at Third and London

Mar 18, 2024 | 3:18 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – It’s a big empty lot at the moment, but if BC Housing has its way, it will be the site of 43 temporary housing units.

“It is 43-single dwelling units of ATCO trailers that they’re bringing in,” explains Phillip Fredriksson, an advocate for the homeless. “They’ve also go three outbuildings going in with that. It’ll be staffed 24 hours. People that’ll be placed in there will not have barriers with things like addiction. So they will be able to go and stay there. And there is discussion starting about safe consumption and possible outdoor smoking areas, which I think is a really positive step in the right direction.”

The Millar Addition community has long had an issue with Moccasin Flats, citing a significant increase in crime since the camp was established and that was a hot topic during a recent public gathering on the idea of temporary housing.

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Efforts to build tiny homes for Moccasin Flats ran afoul of the City, which issued stop work orders as they were not to code.

“The City will contribute half a million dollars,” says Mayor Simon Yu. “So we’re actively working with BC Housing to ensure the site is transformed into temporary, supportive housing just like they’ve done down in Kelowna.”

Most of the shelters in the city have restrictions on occupancy: no drugs or alcohol, in and out times et cetera. But these houses will likely not. “There will be some people from the encampment. I know there is some interest because of the gang activity, because of the fighting, the guns, the theft, all of that needs to be addressed.”

In 2022, the City of Prince George lost a court battle to dismantle Moccasin Flats, with the BC Supreme Court ruling that nothing could happen to the encampment until suitable housing is found for those in the encampment.

Site work and construction is expected this summer with a planned opening in the fall of this year.