It's been five years in the making. Frustrations surrounding living conditions near the Lloydminster Men's Shelter have recently boiled over.
Graeme Friesen has lived nearby since late 2006. He's also the board president of the Glencoe Condominium Corporation. It's a 64-unit condo complex within 500 meters of the shelter. He expressed many concerns to the Meridian Source after writing a letter opposing the new shelter proposal.
"I have witnessed a drastic increase in property damage, theft, and violence in the area, particularly in the past five years," said Friesen.
"My experience is consistent with research indicating a 56 per cent increase in property crime near (winter) shelters and with the experiences of the tenants of the 64 condo units I help oversee."
Drug use, discarded needles, theft and trespassing are all significant concerns of the residents. The operation of the shelter effects those in north-east Lloydminster daily.
"Everyone I’ve asked about the matter who lives in this area (including myself) has been a victim of increased theft or vandalism," said Friesen.
"Expensive tools have been stolen from vehicles. Bikes and propane have been stolen. Patio items have been abused, damaged, or taken."
Vince Scott is a local landowner and businessperson. He recently found an individual sleeping inside a locked vehicle they had brought into the business. Additionally, he spoke of how unsafe it is for anyone to be outside.
"My office assistant lives nearby and wants to walk to work, to do the healthy thing," said Scott. "She can't, not without being badgered or intimidated, she can't walk to work."
This sentiment permeates the community where kids can't play at the local park anymore. Meanwhile, some say they can't even cross the street due to some of the unhoused. The frequent discovery and disposal of needles, drugs and paraphernalia in backyards and on sidewalks, they say, is worse in their area than anywhere else in the city.
However, almost everyone the Meridian Source spoke with recognized the need for the shelter. They just don't want the expansion in their area. Scott wants the whole project to move towards the north end of town.
"We've always had these issues, not to this magnitude, though. There is an old office building in the industrial park. You could do it in layers," he suggested. "You could have men on one floor, women on another, mental health on another ... you could control who comes in and out, and you're not in a residential area."
A local group organized a town hall, where safety concerns were one of the main topics. Although some discussions became heated, attendees described it as a valuable way to exchange ideas. Additionally, shelter board members were there to take some of the feedback from the community.
Possible Solutions:
Even with the recent rule changes at the shelter, there has been very little noticeable change. Break-and-enter, stalking, and theft have all been reported in the past week, said Friesen. However, he noticed an increase in police presence, which he says is appreciated.
The creation of the East Side Citizens Coalition hopes to address some of these issues.
"They are a loosely formed organization created to help deal with neighbourhood concerns," said Friesen.
The group has even created a petition against the shelter with over 500 signatures at last check.
Meanwhile, he has some requirements he hopes those in power will consider when placing a newer facility. Even if that means in the same neighbourhood.
- Enhanced security measures such as increased patrols in my neighbourhood,and security cameras around the shelter and support centre to deter illicit activities.
- Controlled access points to monitor who enters and exits the shelter.
- A curfew implemented on the Community Support Centre and Men’s Shelter.
- No loitering women allowed on the premises or adjacent properties.
- Active addiction cases moved offsite to an isolated recovery centre. If this is not feasible, they must be enrolled in a recovery program and counseling to claim a bed at the shelter.
- Background checks and refusal to provide space for registered sex offenders (as there is a school and numerous children within a few hundred metres of the shelter).
- Locked doors and keycards for clients to ensure that spaces are controlled.
- Shelter clients must be actively searching for employment. There should be regular checks to see if this is the case.
- A 90-day maximum stay at the shelter.
- A focus on moving clients into affordable housing throughout the community using a dispersion model.
- A security rebate offered to those within 150 metres (even up to 400 metres, ideally) of the shelter to offset the cost of the additional security equipment they must purchase (and have already been purchasing)
According to Scott, property values have plummeted in the area, and he has this warning for the city if they approve the new shelter.
"They better have their chequebook ready, they will have to buy a lot of properties in this area, we're fed up."
Sept. 27 marked the beginning of a 90-day decision period for the city. Nevertheless, frustration festers, and the original shelter will remain in place. In conclusion, citizens hope everyone involved with the shelter hears their concerns.
Read more: Shelter proposal denied, appeal pending
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