Merritt designates new area for home homeless encampments; mayor calling for more government help

The Mayor of Merritt wants higher levels of government to be more involved when it comes to finding a solution to house people who are homeless.

Mike Goetz says while Merritt has designated an area near the airport where people can set up temporary overnight encampments, he adds people should not be living in tents in the first place.

“I have a hard time talking about people that need to tent somewhere when they shouldn’t be in tents to begin with,” Goetz said. “You really hate to have to set up a tent area. That is not acceptable especially this time of year.”

Speaking to CFJC Today, Goetz said there is “plenty of opportunity” for the provincial and federal governments to work to get people into permanent housing “so that they can start to recover and get better.”

The airport location was picked as the designated area for homeless encampments because of “issues” at N’kwala Park, which Goetz said was “not the best place” for people to be tenting as it was too close to houses.

“It’s still within city limits but there are no residents living close and stuff like that. We just felt it would be the best place for it to be.”

Airport site will be monitored

Goetz said Merritt bylaw officers will monitor the airport site to make sure people who are tenting know what they can and cannot do. According to the bylaw, people will only be allowed to set up temporary shelters between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. the following morning.

The bylaw also stipulates that shelters must be no larger than 64 square feet in size and that they be at least 6.5 feet away from each other. It notes failure to comply may result in the removal and disposal of the shelter or other possessions at the site.

“It’s just what the provincial bylaws are and what we’re allowed to have. It’ll be the same as it was at N’kwala Park, set up your tents and then take your tents down sort of situation,” Goetz said.

“It’s basically the same thing that is in every community. Every community has to have a spot for people that have tents to camp.”

People found in violation could be fined between $2,500 and $10,000 for each offence, if they’re convicted, though it remains unclear if the City of Merritt will pursue the matter through the courts. People could also be cited by way of a municipal ticket.

“We would let people know where they new camping spot was,” Goetz said, when asked what would happen if a bylaw officer came across a person camping where they’re not supposed to be. “The officer would drop off some information for them on where the new area is, how to get to it, and where to set up and stuff like that.”

“If they’re on private land, we would have to get permission from the person who owns the land to move the people on to where they need to go. Or if somebody has private land and they decide they want somebody to camp, that’s to a certain degree up to them.”

Q101-Roger White

Goetz also said he’s aware that people who are homeless often “do not want to follow the rules,” which he says puts communities like his in a tough situation.

“We have certain rules that are to be followed set by provincial guidelines but you cannot continue to hand all of this for communities to patrol and make sure it works,” Goetz said. “We need some provincial help.”

“Nobody wants to live in a tent, so let’s come up with a better idea so people can set up their own communities in homes that have four walls rather than fabric walls.”

For its part, the Province says it is funding 6,085 shelter spaces in 59 communities across B.C. this winter. While some of those spaces are permanent, others are temporary for the winter months, while others are only operated during times of extreme weather.

The Province also says its working with municipalities across B.C. to open new HEARTH-funded sites, which include temporary housing options as well as shelter spaces.

“To address these challenges, BC Housing is working with partners to provide people living outdoors and in encampments with better access to a range of support services, new shelters, and housing options,” a statement from BC Housing said.