Terry MacLeod says he opposes the announcement he hears province is about to make

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CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The homeless encampment located next to a Holland College residence on Grafton Street is being moved into Ward 2 and the city councillor who represents the area isn’t happy about it.

During council’s monthly meeting on Sept. 12, Coun. Terry MacLeod said he’s hearing rumours the province is getting set to announce the encampment is being moved onto the grounds of the former provincial government garage on the corner of Riverside Drive and Park Street.

“It’s been rumoured that the government garage could be part of a temporary solution and maybe a longer-term solution," MacLeod told the media following the meeting. “It’s getting out onto the street now and I was trying to raise the matter. It is a provincial issue, it’s a social issue and the city should not be wearing it."

Read more HRP, RCMP say joint policy is a possibility for response to homeless encampments About two dozen people living in tents around Charlottetown as city, police and province mull options

HRP, RCMP say joint policy is a possibility for response to homeless encampments

About two dozen people living in tents around Charlottetown as city, police and province mull options

MacLeod explained that complaints are coming into the city and its police force from angry residents.

“When it doesn't work in one area of the city, to move it somewhere else is not going to work. It’s not going to solve the problem. At the end of the day, it’s got to be somewhere safe for both the folks who need the help, mental health help and addiction help. Putting it in an area that has a fence around it isn’t going to solve the problem."

MacLeod wants to set up a meeting with the province, city and residents in Park Street and Beach Street.

One resident of Park Street showed up at the council meeting, saying he is hearing the rumours and wants some answers.

“I don’t think putting it anywhere in the city is the solution," said the resident who didn’t want to give his name until he finds out more information. “We just want a nice peaceful neighbourhoood. You won’t be able to leave a thing outside that isn’t tied down. There will be drugs everywhere."

Mayor Philip Brown said the city will be meeting with Matthew MacKay, minister of Social Development and Housing although he didn’t say if a date has been set.

MacLeod said according to what he’s been told, the residents who have been living in the encampments around the city would be given space outside the government garage temporarily and moved inside the garage for the cold winter months. He added the government could also be building modular homes as well.

MacLeod said at one point the province did express interest in purchasing land from the city but he hasn’t heard anything since.

“Ward 2 is not the place for it. It’s too close to the residents. It’s contaminated. If there are people with addiction issues do you really want these people next to a race track and a casino? What are you going to do to help these folks? There needs to be infrastructure."

The province has said an announcement is forthcoming. MacLeod said he isn’t sure when it will be.

Dave Stewart is a reporter with the SaltWire Network in Prince Edward Island. He can be reached by email at [email protected] and followed on Twitter @DveStewart.

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