THUNDER BAY — Establishing designated encampments is the newest survey available to city residents.
Through its Get Involved website, the city is asking for feedback on assigning specific locations on city-owned land for those experiencing homelessness.
In a media release, Cynthia Olsen, director of strategy and engagement, said although the city is not a housing provider and does not provide direct services to those in encampments, "we play a key coordinating role in our community’s response as most encampments are on city-owned lands."
When asked in an interview, Olsen said city council would have to direct the city on what to do regarding taking care of the designated properties and the people who would be residing in the designated locations.
"Certainly, the city itself is not a housing provider, and right now, our approach is to work with multiple community partners, including the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board. We're working with other community organizations and the health unit to do as [much of a] coordinated response as we can right now."
The short survey does not list potential locations. However, on the introductory page, documents reference councils' ratified decision in April 2023 to address homelessness.
Hard copies of the survey are available at city hall and all branches of the Thunder Bay Public Library.
An opportunity to fill out the survey in person at the 55 Plus Centre on March 26 from 1 – 4:30 pm
The survey closes on April 1 at midnight.
