SUBMITTED PHOTOS Another homelessness tent camp discovered on the Southeast Hill trail a few days ago.
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
Earlier this week a tent belonging to a homeless person was discovered near the Southeast Hill trail.
Insp. Brent Secondiak of the Medicine Hat Police Service says he was aware of another one about a week ago and was also advised of one in January. He is surprised at the number of these in the middle of winter when you’d expect people to seek emergency shelter indoors.
Secondiak says the parks and trails are for everyone’s enjoyment rather than for a few who choose to “rough” camp. The general public can be intimidated by the site of homeless camps in public areas, he says.
“It is really to do with peoples’ fear of crime,” said Secondiak. “If you’re out for a walk late at night or early in the morning and you see someone lurking in the bushes … you worry about your own safety.”
He says the biggest issue with these camps is littering rather than crime but the public is concerned about drug use.
“Some people will use drugs and alcohol in those locations and some people won’t,” said Secondiak. “We have found needles at these in the past.”
Greenbelt homeless encampments were particularly prevalent last summer and in early fall. A few tickets were issued to those involved. At the time Secondiak said the purpose was not to collect a fine but rather create a record.
Secondiak says in the past month he has been working on a multi-faceted approach to the issue. He expects to be able to release details of this within a couple of weeks. The approach will involve working with a number of agencies on more proactive strategies regarding the homeless encampments.
“I think that’s the key. It’s about providing education rather than doing enforcement,” said Secondiak.
He says some homeless people may not know of the options regarding housing in Medicine Hat. He acknowledges some may still choose to “live in the rough” but housing in Medicine Hat will pay for campsites for people if they want to stay in a tent.
Nationally there has been media commentary on the increased number of homeless people choosing to have pets. For some it is for companionship and for others the security that a large dog brings if you are living on the street and feel vulnerable.
Secondiak says community housing locally has been accommodating with the homeless who have dogs. In some cases the dog has been taken care of until suitable housing is arranged for the individual.
Note: The headline to this story has been updated.
