Arena demolition poses big questions about future of Gatineau homeless camp
With the demolition of the Robert-Guertin Centre in Gatineau, Que., slated for this summer, questions remain about the relocation of a homeless encampment currently set up in the arena's parking lot.
Rows of 28 heated, fire-resistant tents are currently set up in the parking lot in front of the arena, but they'll have to move once teardown of the building begins.
Those winter tents were approved by the City of Gatineau in December and are set to be taken down May 15, regardless of the demolition timeline.
But campers have also set up other tents nearby, just steps away from Le Gîte Ami homeless shelter.
City staff have been communicating regularly with the campers and community partners who support those staying in the tents, said François Lescalier, the shelter's deputy director.
François Lescalier, deputy director of Gatineau's Gîte Ami homeless shelter, says campers want more clarity on when they'll need to move, and where they'll be going. (Radio-Canada)
"What's important is to find a solution, and we're not at that stage yet. That's why there's a certain frustration among organizations and among campers who would like precise answers," he said in French.
Campers don't know exactly when they're expected to leave the area or how much time they'll have to relocate, Lescalier said.
They also don't know here they'll be going, he added, as the city still searching for an alternate location.
Near the heated tents, other makeshift tents and campers are also set up. (Radio-Canada)
While he agrees the encampment will have to move before the demolition, Lescalier says just relocating the tents won't address the homelessness issues gripping the Gatineau region.
"If it's [just going to] put people in the same situation somewhere else, it's not a sufficient response," he said.
Lescalier said he hopes the city will have more answers soon, while campers want a longer-term plan on where they can stay as warmer weather arrives.
City still searching for another location
There are several sites being considered for the proposed relocation, Hull-Wright Coun. Steve Moran said.
But there are many issues to keep in mind, he added.
The site will need water available, plus showers and other sanitation measures, Moran said. It will have to be safe, he added, while also not unduly impacting neighbours.
"We also have to consider the interest of the people being moved, the campers themselves. Is it an appropriate site? Is it close to various other social services which are required?" he said.
Hull-Wright Coun. Steve Moran says the City of Gatineau is looking into alternate locations to move the encampment, but it's a complicated process that requires a lot of consulting with the community. (Radio-Canada)
The city will try to finalize a second location and complete the move over the next couple of months, Moran said.
Collaborating with those who will be most affected by the move is "really important," he said, noting that in downtown Gatineau, the rate of homelessness has gone up nearly 300 per cent in the past few years.
"People don't choose to live without homes," he said. "As a society, we do not provide the mental health care, the drug addiction care that we need to make sure that people don't live in these situations."
Preparing for summer
With the winterized tents set to be taken down next month, Devcore, the organization behind them, is already planning for the warmer weather.
One proposal involves setting up shipping containers that have been converted into miniature houses, said Nancy Martineau, Devcore's director of humanitarian projects.
The houses would have beds, toilets, a small fridge and air-conditioning, Martineau said. The proposal has yet to be approved by the City of Gatineau, however.
"We've already made plans, we've already met with companies that modify containers. So the work is well underway on our side," she told Radio-Canada in French.
