Saint John imposes prohibited zones for placing homeless encampments
In the city of Saint John, a new approach to addressing homelessness is being implemented. The city has announced the creation of red and yellow zones, where tents, encampments, or other types of temporary shelters will not be allowed.
Mayor Reardon has advocated for provincial support for a comprehensive plan for homelessness, and the introduction of these zones is part of this effort. The red zones, as they are currently laid out, are intended to be a coordinated approach to homelessness.
Red zones will include schools, daycares, playgrounds, sports fields, and other locations. No encampments will be permitted within 200 metres of any schools, childcare facilities, designated green zones, and crisis care centres. The buffer zone around these areas is particularly strict, with a 200-metre radius around schools and childcare facilities. Along the Harbour Passage walkway, the buffer is five metres, and along parks, highways, and railways, it shrinks down to 100 metres.
In addition to the red zones, the city is also introducing yellow zones on some vacant properties owned by the city. Tents must be a minimum of three metres apart, no more than five tents are permitted in a cluster, and clusters must be at least 50 metres apart in yellow zones.
However, the idea of introducing Red Zones in the city of Saint John is not attributed to any individual or group in the available search results.
Earlier this year, the city established its first green zone, which provides safe temporary housing with on-site services and support for people experiencing homelessness.
Ivan McCullough, co-founder of Street Team SJ, is critical of the red zones, stating they are marginalizing, dehumanizing, and do not provide a clear picture of where yellow zones will be. McCullough also expresses frustration over the lack of information about where encampments will be permitted, making it difficult for Street Team SJ to access and provide essentials to unhoused individuals.
Mayor Reardon couldn't confirm who would be responsible for ensuring the new rules are followed, and it is not yet clear who will take on this role. Outreach teams will be responsible for helping individuals relocate from red zone areas.
The city's goal is to have no tents, encampments, or shelters in any red zones by the end of October. An interactive map outlining the different zones within the city is expected to be available by the end of the day.
According to McCullough, the core of the homeless crisis is a lack of affordable housing. The implementation of the new zones will take time, with the first phase beginning immediately to inform people about the red and yellow zones, especially those living on the streets.
The red zones, if implemented, will move most encampments away from the uptown core, potentially making it harder for homeless individuals to access essential supports and services like Avenue B. McCullough suggests that a clearer picture of where encampments would be permitted would have been beneficial.
The city says the sites must be kept clean, and wooden structures will not be allowed due to fire hazards. The introduction of these zones is a significant step in Saint John's efforts to address homelessness, and it will be interesting to see how the situation develops in the coming months.
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