A prominent homeless encampment has moved next to the Prince of Wales 黑料吃瓜网 Heritage Centre, more commonly known as the museum.
The encampment was originally located in the downtown core in the alleyway between 49 and 50 Streets.
Peter Adourian, a lawyer representing some encampment residents, said the move happened on June 6.
"My clients won't be going back there," said Adourian, referring to the encampment's previous location.
He also said he worked with the territorial government to determine the new site, explaining that it was chosen because it鈥檚 on GNWT property and away from people鈥檚 homes.
"Tents can be spaced out, which makes it less of a fire risk, and there's also still road access, so that emergency vehicles and folks supporting that area can get in and out," he said.
Adourian said he's still working with both the city and GNWT to get one of them to cover the cost of services that would make the encampment safer and cleaner, including portable toilets and a garbage bin with regular pickup. He鈥檚 also trying to get either level of government to provide fire safety items like extinguishers, fire-retardant tarps, and tents with metal or plastic frames.
Michael Saturnino, associate deputy minister for housing sustainability and partnerships with Housing NWT, told 黑料吃瓜网 on Monday that the GNWT is not planning to add infrastructure like fencing or portable toilets to the site.
"Our focus is on encouraging the use of designated shelter spaces and diffuse camping areas that are better equipped to support health and safety," he stated. "We continue to assess needs and may adjust our approach as necessary in collaboration with community partners."
Last year, the GNWT did add portable toilets to a homeless encampment that was also on GNWT property.
When asked how long the current encampment will remain, Saturnino could not provide a specific timeline.
"We will continue to monitor the situation and work with individuals to identify appropriate alternatives," he said.
Whether the encampment鈥檚 new location will deter museum visitors remains to be seen, but Saturnino said the GNWT is working with police and health authorities to monitor the encampment and ensure safety.
He added the government is also working with the encampment residents to ensure they respect the space and avoid issues with the public.
Coun. Cat McGurk, not acting in her municipal role, helped dismantle the old encampment.
She said she did not assist with moving materials or building at the new site.
鈥淚 spent about five hours helping to dismantle the structure,鈥� said McGurk. 鈥淚 thought that [because of] my experience as a carpenter, I can ensure a level of safety in dismantling that.鈥�
Speaking on the municipal side, McGurk said she believes it is within the city鈥檚 obligations to provide portable toilets at the encampment, citing public safety concerns.
鈥淚t makes sense for us to contribute or to address it,鈥� she said.
During their regular meeting on Monday at city hall, councillors passed a resolution emphasizing that the GNWT is responsible for housing and social services. The resolution recommends that the GNWT take oversight of the encampment and calls for it to provide porta-potties and other essential services.
The resolution also says the city will help keep encampment residents safe and healthy by providing garbage and sewage services if requested and paid for by the GNWT.
