Park Street neighbours hope mobile units for homeless people are well managed

Some people who live on Park Street in Charlottetown say they wish they had been notified about the mobile housing units that will be installed near them this fall, but they told CBC News they understand the need.

Resident Jake McAleer said it's important for the province to help the people who have been living in five tent encampments around Charlottetownthis summer.

"I think it's a good idea. It's getting people off the street and helping them not freeze in the winter,"said McAleer.

"If it means that people have somewhere to be that's warm, that's great," he said, noting many people are struggling to find affordable housing on the Island at the moment.

"As long as things are being kept neat and tidy, and it's not drawing the wrong crowd, I'm not going to have an issue with it."

However, McAleerand other residents said it would have been nice to receive a notice in themailbox, explaining what would be happening in the neighbourhood tucked between Hillsborough Bridge and the Eastlink Centre.

Mobile housing units a step in the right direction, homeless advocate says

2 years ago

Duration 6:31

Chris Clay, co-ordinator of the Native Council of P.E.I.'s Reaching Home project, joins CBC News: Compass with his reaction to the province's planned temporary solution to the homelessness issue in Charlottetown.

Theprovincial governmenthas ordered small housing units to shelter between 40 and 50 people, with shared washroom facilities, to be set up in the parking lot of the COVID-19 testing site on Park Street as early as mid-November. The overall cost is expected to beabout $1.2 million.

'It's something that has to happen'

Chris Beatonalso lives on Park Street, and he too told CBC he sympathizes with the city's homeless population, estimated ataround 80 people right now.

He said he believes neighbours weren't consulted because everyone would have said no.

"There's a big need for it. Nobody wants it in their neighbourhood, but this is where it's going to go this year, I guess," said Beaton.

He hopes there is some kind of control over when people using the units can come and go, "so people aren't roaming around the streets at night time."

Otherresidents who did not want to do recorded interviews told CBCthey were worried about the safety of their neighbourhood, citing problems other areasof Charlottetownhave seen with discarded needles, thefts, and trespassing, especially near the Community Outreach Centre.

'Quick' fix was needed

On Tuesday, P.E.I.'s minister of social development and housingtold CBC News "something quick"was needed to help Charlottetown's homeless population before winter sets in.

Matthew MacKay said the Park Street site was picked because it'son a suitably large piece of government land in a part of the city with social services providers nearby.

The minister said his officials had discussed the plan with Charlottetown Police Services, Maritime Electric,Holland Collegeand the Charlottetown Area Development Corporation.

Questions remain about how the units, and who will be responsible for managing the site. Also, it is unclear who will be eligible to stay in the unitsand whetherany services, such as mental health and addictions support, will be provided.

Those details are expected to be worked out in the coming weeks while government officials work on a long-term solution.

Application to come before council

Late Wednesday, Charlottetown's acting chief administrative officer sent an email to CBCNews about the city's role in the plans.

"The city received a temporary use application from the P.E.I. Housing Corporation late in the evening on Monday, Sept.12, and has notified property owners within 100 metres of the area as per our Zoning and Development Bylaw," Donna Waddell wrote.

"It is anticipated that this item will be brought to the planning board meeting on Oct.3 and to council for consideration on Oct.11."

Meanwhile, the residents of the "tent cities" continue to be wary of speaking to the media on the record. However, on Wednesday, some told CBC Newsthey are pleased something is being done to address their situation and they are looking forward to having access to running water and a bathroom.