Cynthia Flett is aware that she will need to relocate from a campsite in Winnipeg’s West Broadway area, following the installation of signs in Mostyn Park indicating that camping is no longer allowed, although the exact timing remains uncertain. The city’s recent regulations, which have been active for slightly over a week, prohibit encampments within 50 meters of schools, playgrounds, daycares, and skating rinks, as well as within 30 meters of transit shelters, bridges, docks, and similar public facilities.
According to the city, two encampments were cleared last week, and plans are in place to dismantle the camp in Mostyn Park, situated next to the Granite Curling Club on Granite Way, where Flett has resided since spring. Flett mentioned that outreach teams assisted other camp residents in finding housing or shelter, expressing hope for similar assistance for herself.
Approximately 15 individuals, including Flett, are currently residing at the Mostyn Park site, as confirmed by Greg MacPherson, the city’s acting manager of community development. MacPherson indicated uncertainty regarding the timeline for dismantling the Mostyn Park encampment, emphasizing the significant number of units required for the site and the necessity to provide suitable housing options before requesting residents to vacate.
Jamil Mahmood, the executive director of Main Street Project, highlighted the organization’s efforts to secure housing for individuals in encampments through various programs and partnerships, underscoring that their role is not enforcement but rather information dissemination and addressing the needs of unsheltered individuals. MacPherson emphasized the city’s commitment to balancing the needs of encampment residents with those of the broader community, acknowledging the challenges posed by living near such sites.
A local mother, Sonja, whose children attend a daycare near the Mostyn Park site, expressed concerns about the accumulation of debris and garbage at the encampment, impacting outdoor activities for the children. While empathetic towards individuals experiencing homelessness, Sonja stressed the importance of maintaining a safe environment for the children.
Security measures have been implemented at the daycare to ensure the safety of the children, with Sonja noting the presence of security guards during drop-off and pick-up times. She raised concerns about the encampment’s impact on the children’s experiences and emphasized the need for a balance between addressing homelessness and safeguarding the well-being of the community’s youngest members.
Flett, a resident of the encampment, acknowledged the site’s condition and expressed her willingness to comply with directives once the area is cleaned by city workers. She voiced her desire for assistance in finding alternative housing, stating that she is open to leaving the camp once suitable accommodations are provided.