Housing Minister Nathaniel Erskine-Smith stated city parks and sidewalks should not serve as places for homeless encampments, emphasizing the need for accessible public spaces and clean streets.
“Encampments in our parks is not an acceptable solution,” Erskine-Smith told reporters.
“People on our main streets, living on the street, is not an acceptable solution. We can make sure we have access to our parks.”
Blacklock's Reporter says Erskine-Smith acknowledged the public’s concerns about tent cities and public disorder, particularly in shared community spaces.
“I completely understand,” he said. “I feel the same way. I’ve got two young kids. I want to make sure our parks are for communities and families. That’s what they are for.”
The minister cited a shortage of community housing as a key factor contributing to homelessness. “I do think there’s legitimate criticism to say we need to get more community housing built, and that’s got to be an overriding priority,” he said.
Erskine-Smith emphasized the balance between maintaining clean and safe public spaces and ensuring dignity for unhoused individuals.
“We all deserve clean streets and parks,” he said. “We can have clean streets and parks without denying people a basic sense of dignity.”
The Department of Infrastructure, which oversees shelter programs, plans to release updated data this winter on homelessness in Canada.
The most recent National Shelter Study in 2022 reported 105,655 shelter users nationwide, including 31,476 individuals who experienced chronic homelessness.
“You’ve got to make sure our main streets are for people who are going to enjoy their community,” said Erskine-Smith. “Community members have access to small businesses, and small businesses succeed. We want successful main streets and we want communities that thrive.”