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A La Ronge business owner has launched a petition in hopes of preventing a homeless camp from being developed near her store.
Pawsitive Attitude Dog Training owner Jayme Woodhouse McKenzie is against the potential plan for the municipality to construct a homeless encampment near her business. The camp would be complete with signage, portable toilets, garbage receptacles and fire pits, and cost taxpayers an estimated $11,400 in the first year.
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Since launching the petition earlier this week, Woodhouse McKenzie said residents have been supportive of her cause.
“We have had a ton of support from the entire tri-community in regard to the opposition to this location,” she wrote in a statement to larongeNOW.
“Our community understands the impact this would have not only on Pawsitive Attitude but the entire neighbourhood.”
Woodhouse McKenzie said she has been locking the doors to her business during opening hours for years because of distruptive behaviour from homeless residents. She claims there has been several instances of stealing, threats and harassment, as well as an attempted sexual assault.
“As a business owner/resident in the surrounding area, I am concerned about the potential impact this development may have on the safety and well-being of nearby businesses, employees, customers, and residents,” Woodhouse McKenzie stated.
“Specifically, there is concern about the potential for an increase in theft, vandalism, and harassment, which could negatively affect both livelihoods and the sense of security within the neighbourhood.”
Woodhouse McKenzie acknowledges that homelessness is a serious and complex issue within the community, and she supports the need for compassionate, proactive solutions that provide safe and appropriate support for individuals experiencing housing insecurity.
“We have reviewed several locations in hopes to avoid spots that will strongly affect homes and businesses and would like to bring forward a few locations along the highway by the new police station,” Woodhouse McKenzie noted.
“But we are not fully aware of what the entire situation involves, so finding a solution at this point is difficult in our point of view.”
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