Sarah Mills: Alberta's referendum is Canada's wake-up call
Sarah Mills says Canada needs better collaboration between Ottawa and the provinces. She says what's good for Quebec sho...
Citing concerns related to theft and the increasing levels of garbage in the area, business owners near a large homeless encampment south of Prince Albert are calling for its removal.
While the area is generally classified as being in the Rural Municipality of Prince Albert, the section of land off 48th Street where the encampment is located is owned by Pelican Lake First Nation. One frustrated business owner said the issue comes down to being a responsible landowner.
Read more:
- VIDEO: Saskatoon begins dismantling homeless camp on Avenue K South
- Saskatoon shelter full after Avenue K homeless encampment cleared
- Saskatoon couple finds stability after leaving encampment
“We rely on them to be good neighbours, and they are not,” he said, adding they have, in the past, had good relations with both Muskoday First Nation and Prince Albert Grand Council.
“We had a homeless encampment behind the Super 8 and RCMP removed them in the morning, and in the afternoon PAGC was there cleaning up the land.”
The business owner, who cited personal experiences with theft and vandalism, said they were told months ago by administration at Pelican Lake that a contractor had been hired and the plan was to clear the trees and level the land.
“That’s a big project long term, but they need to hire someone local who can go and clean up the garbage, because that’s what keeps bringing the people back,” they said.
With overnight temperatures dropping below freezing, business owners are also concerned about the risk of fires, as people at the encampment try to keep warm.
The Prince Albert Fire Department has a fire protection agreement with the RM of Prince Albert, but no such agreement exists with Pelican Lake First Nation. Deputy chief Alex Paul told paNOW the First Nation would have to agree in writing to the payment terms outlined in the city’s bylaw before firefighters could respond to a fire on the property.
When paNOW first reported on the encampment in September, Tyrel Tait, reeve of the RM of Prince Albert, said the municipality was aware of safety concerns raised by nearby residents and businesses. He said the RM was working with the landowner and the RCMP to identify a path forward.
On Tuesday, CAO Rochelle Neff said the RM has no authority to enforce its bylaws on the property because it is Indigenous land. She said the municipality has sought guidance from the provincial and federal governments.
paNOW made several attempts to contact Pelican Lake First Nation administration, but did not receive a response prior to publication.
Meanwhile, another large encampment is located directly east of businesses at Cornerstone Crossings in Prince Albert.
A city spokesperson said bylaw staff were aware of that encampment and “actively working on it.”
