Regina residents call for changes to city’s encampment strategy ahead of council vote

WATCH: A group of advocates are calling on the City of Regina to adopt an encampment strategy ahead of council at the end of the month.

A group of concerned residents met in front of Regina’s city hall Wednesday to voice their concerns about the city’s strategy around homelessness - while raising awareness of an upcoming encampment strategy vote.

Through an open-mic format, attendees were able to share their thoughts during the “lunch n learn” event Wednesday.

Some of those who attended are currently dealing with homelessness.

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Mandla Mthembu helped organize the event and said the time was used to discuss the pros and cons of the strategy, as well as what citizens need to know.

“Community members want to have a dialogue, and get people understanding what this current strategy looks like,” Mthembu said.

The group is proposing the City of Regina adopts strategies and policies when addressing encampments. They include:

• Not removing encampments established on city property unless all residents have permanent, adequate and appropriate housing.
• Provide supports for encampments with bathrooms, portable water and garbage disposal.
• Repeal laws and policies criminalizing the homeless.

Coun. Shanon Zachidniak represents Ward 8 on city council. She was in attendance and said it is important for citizens to voice their concerns and similar events happen in the future.

“It’s important to hear from the community about what improvements they would like to see,” the councillor said. “We need to be informed on what the community wants as well.”

The city’s executive committee will meet to discuss the encampment strategy on Aug. 20. City council is slated to vote on it during its meeting on Aug. 27.