Saint John City Council has approved the “Housing for All” strategy, which aims to address homelessness by making it “rare, brief, and non-recurring.” This approval comes with an emphasis on urgent implementation due to criticism regarding the strategy’s three-year timeline and lack of measurable goals.
The strategy proposes establishing “zones” to manage homelessness:
- Green zones for structured homeless shelters.
- Yellow zones for temporary tent setups.
- Red zones where unsheltered structures would be banned.
Coun. David Hickey, who presented the plan, emphasized the need for immediate action to address homelessness, citing recent increases in encampments near schools and parks. The plan includes 27 specific actions under the emergency supports category, alongside objectives for coordination, prevention, education, safety, and housing support. Coun. Paula Radwan supports the zone concept but advocates for a community-oriented approach rather than increased policing. She stresses the importance of enforcing red zones with a focus on community support rather than criminalization. She also highlighted the need for bylaws to enforce these zones.
Hickey encouraged the council to act swiftly and urged both residents and the provincial government to support the plan. He believes this strategy should be a starting point, and it is crucial for the city to call on provincial assistance to enhance its effectiveness. Coun. Barry Ogden was the only dissenting vote, citing the lack of public input and the need for provincial collaboration as reasons for his opposition. Overall, the strategy is seen as a crucial step toward addressing the homelessness crisis in Saint John.
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