Advocates and outreach workers say more discussion is needed with the City of Courtenay for sheltering regulations in the city’s parks.
Presenting to Courtenay councillors Wednesday, homeless response team facilitator Angela Fletcher, harm reduction support worker Taija McLuckie and community members asked for language changes to the proposed parks and open spaces bylaw.
The group said their concerns are about the section on sheltering restrictions and rules in the city’s parks. The bylaw went through its first and second readings on Jan. 10, with all councillors but councillor Evan Jolicoeur voting in favour.
Fletcher says the bylaw’s potential restrictions on sheltering in parks could cause people to feel they are treated as separate, different or inferior to the dominant group, a concept known as othering.
“Bylaws that criminalize homelessness such as those prohibiting sleeping and camping in public space at any time can reinforce the idea that individuals experiencing homelessness are a separate and undesirable group,” said Fletcher.
Fletcher adds this can also include restrictions to resources and services and unhoused voices are needed for better representation.
“It’s important to involve unhoused individuals in communities in developing these measures to ensure inclusive and respectful language and prioritize policies prioritizing dignity, human rights and collaboration,” said Fletcher.
Fletcher asked that the language and policies be reviewed with clear guidance and accessible understanding, and the stories of these individuals must be heard beforehand.
“We were asking four people with lived experience to be consulted before the consultant was hired,” said Fletcher.
McLuckie added that clarity needs to be a part of the bylaw, including language that everyone easily understands.
This was amplified by Jesse Smith, an unhoused individual and peer outreach worker.
“We are told to go one place by bylaw, then the RCMP show up and tell us we can’t be there and now again, packing up our stuff and hoping not to be arrested and given a fine for trying to stay warm and sleep,” said Smith.
“When we ask what we can do or where to go and who to go to for changes to be made, we are ignored.”
Councillor Doug Hillian says he hopes they can come to language and terms they can all agree on. He adds that while there are 85 parks in the city and 37 are identified as shelter areas, more clarity is needed.
“We’ve tried to get some balance in this and it’s clear to me that we haven’t got it right and we do need to do more work,” said Hillian.
“Whether that’s making changes or having more dialogue so that there is clear understanding, I think that’s the task that’s before us.”
Councillor Wendy Morin adds she was “struck” by Fletcher’s segment on othering, and adds the city wants to work with them.
Fletcher says she feels optimistic that there will be more engagement with those who are affected by the potential changes in the bylaw for the future.
