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Changes to the encampment structure
As the city of Kelowna, B.C., continues its remediation efforts at the homeless encampment along the Okanagan Rail Trail, significant changes are being implemented that have left many residents feeling anxious and uncertain about their future.
The city has announced a reduction in the size of tents from 12 by 12 feet to a more compact eight by eight feet, limiting the total number of tents to just 60. This shift aims to create a more controlled environment, akin to an indoor shelter, with stricter rules governing the site.
Operational hours and security measures
In addition to the reduction in tent size, the encampment will no longer operate 24 hours a day. Instead, it will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m., a change that has raised eyebrows among advocates for the unhoused.
Kevin Mead, the city’s bylaw services manager, emphasized that these measures are intended to improve the situation for residents, but many are questioning whether this approach will truly benefit those in need. The introduction of fencing and 24/7 security aims to restrict access to the site, allowing only residents to enter, which some see as a move towards criminalizing homelessness.
Concerns from residents and advocates
Residents like David Lauer, who has lived in the encampment for the past year, expressed deep concern over the changes. Lauer articulated the fear of being displaced and the uncertainty of where he and others might end up.
“It’s very concerning, actually. I don’t want to be on the street,” he said, highlighting that many individuals in the encampment are not struggling with addiction but have simply faced unfortunate circumstances.
Advocates for the homeless population are voicing their worries that the new regulations will exacerbate the homelessness crisis in Kelowna.
Tony Baxter, a former outreach worker, pointed out that the displacement of vulnerable individuals could lead to increased hospitalizations and overdoses, ultimately costing taxpayers more in the long run. “This money could instead go towards social housing and other wraparound services to treat people,” Baxter argued, advocating for a more humane approach to addressing homelessness.
As the city moves forward with these changes, the future of the encampment and its residents remains uncertain. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of homelessness and the need for comprehensive solutions that prioritize the well-being of individuals facing these challenges.
