Smithers council is looking for feedback on possible changes being made to a bylaw created almost a century ago including adding temporary overnight sheltering locations to local parks.
Chief Administrative Officer Dianna Plouffe explained that permitting temporary overnight sheltering is intended to continue to provide a safe location for individuals experiencing homelessness to stay overnight while reducing the negative public health, safety, and community impacts of an entrenched homeless encampment.
Public reaction to the proposed bylaw is already heating up. On Friday (March 3), an unknown individual or group, started distributing flyers with the headline: “Save Dogwood Park” urging residents to submit their feedback and/or attend the meeting.
Should the town allow overnight camping in local parks?
READ MORE: Town seeking public comment on changes to parks bylaw