The Regina Police Service (RPS) is getting ready to remove a group of homeless people who have set up a tent city in the Regina City Hall courtyard..The police warned the people, who refused to leave, they might use pepper spray if they did not willingly remove themselves..Volunteers are getting ready for the possibility of pepper spray being used on the tent city residents by putting on face masks and other coverings..Regina Fire and Protective Services (RFPS) announced on Thursday they would start shutting down the camp because of safety worries. .This choice was made after a fire happened near City Hall on Thursday morning, which was the third fire in just five days at the tent city, according to RFPS..The tent city appeared in the middle of June to bring attention to the issue of homelessness in Regina..The tent city residents were originally told to leave within 24 to 48 hours. .However, the time period was shortened to about 24 hours as the deadline to leave was moved to Friday afternoon..In order to get ready for the move to the camp, the police blocked the streets around City Hall. .This meant vehicles and people were not allowed to go through. .The closed-off area included the east and west lanes of Victoria Avenue from McIntyre Smith to Smith Street, and the area south to 12th Avenue.
