REGINA — “We need help,” those were the words of Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski, a day after an encampment site near Carmichael Outreach was cleared out by Regina Police upon the request of the property owner.
Around 50 people were staying at the site, some only having blankets for sleeping.
In the aftermath, Bachynski said the city is working on finding people space, and Regina/Treaty Status Indian Services Inc. (RT/STS) has also stepped up.
Questions remained on how the city planned to deal with encampments after receiving $3.5 million over next two years from the federal government in January to address homelessness.
City officials confirmed to SaskToday the hiring of an encampment response and houselessness advisor. The worker will start next week.
As for the plan, Bachynski said the city will be working through that. However, Bachynski is more focused on the current situation.
“I’m in contact right now with our provincial partners to demonstrate [that] this is another example where we need them to step in and step up for us.”
Some Canadian cities, including Halifax, have approved designated encampment sites.
Bachynski wasn’t sure if Regina would take that approach, mentioning several considerations city administration would need to weigh in on.
The city is also preparing to open the new permanent emergency shelter at 1600 Halifax Street.
Bachynski confirmed the shelter is on track to open in late July.
Comments