To the editor:
I live in a building overlooking McVicar Creek between Cumberland Street and Court Street - a direct view of an encampment. It is within six feet of a paved trail, direct view of numerous residents, the people living there run propane generators and have no washroom facilities so urinate and defecate in plain site. They also have open fires on occasion.
A month ago I called central dispatch and they said to call bylaw. All both numbers told me was the people would be gone soon and that nothing would be done, even though the encampment violates the rules set by the city as well as some bylaws.
Two weeks ago at 7:30 in the morning there was an explosion and two tents on fire. Thunder Bay Fire Rescue responded. I counted 19 propane cylinders scattered about. There were burnt items strewn all over the path and park.
Nothing was done.
On Tuesday, Dec. 10, there were three new oversized insulated winter tents erected. Each one is about 10-feet-by-six-feet-by-six-feet high.
I called central dispatch and was told that nothing would be done and to call another number they gave me. It turned out to be the bylaw office who said they would do nothing and to call central dispatch.
In two days time we are expecting temperature in the -20s C.
Living in tents in the winter in Northern Ontario is dangerous. There is no way to heat them that is safe.
These agencies that keep supplying food, fuel and tents need to stop. They are not helping, they are part of the problem.
It is only a matter of time before someone dies of exposure. Then the blame game and finger pointing will start.
Chris Higgins,
Thunder Bay
