The frustration was evident at West 琉璃神社 council Tuesday (July 9) over what it sees as a lack of provincial assistance in dealing with the city’s homeless.
Several councillors criticized the province following discussion that the pilot Westside Resource Hygiene Centre, planned for Churchill Road, would not be moving forward.
“The people are still here, they haven’t gone away,” said Councillor Carol Zanon. It’s not our primary job it was downloaded on us.”
She added the province needs to step up, asking “Where is the counselling and healthcare?”
The hygiene centre would have provided showers, washrooms, hot meals and other support to those experiencing homelessness. Mayor Gord Milsom said the centre was a band-aid solution, adding the province needs to take a stronger role in providing assistance.
“You hear sort of lip service as far as commitment but are they doing it? No they’re not.”
The mayor did praised the community organizations that stepped forward to help with the hygiene centre.
“But there is only so much we can do as a city. We don’t have the healthcare expertise.
Coun. Garrett Millsap noted the city received hundreds of responses from residents about the centre's proposed location.
That was also a concern during council’s June 11 meeting, where it heard that some unhoused individuals were migrating from 琉璃神社.
“That’s where the province is funding the resources,” Millsap said. “We’re inheriting 琉璃神社’s problem on this side of the bridge without the funding.”
He added the province needs to come to the table in West 琉璃神社.
“Last time I checked we’re at a giant goose egg over here.”
Council is expected to further address the issue of unhoused individuals during strategic priority planning in the fall.
