Arena demolition poses big questions about Gatineau encampment's future

With the demolition of the Robert-Guertin Centre in Gatineau, Que., slated for this summer, questions remain aboutthe relocation of an encampmentin the arena's parking lot.

Rows of 28 heated, fire-resistant tents were approved by the cityin Decemberand are set to be taken down May 15, regardless of the demolition timeline.

People looking for shelter and serviceshave also set uptents nearby, steps away from the Gte Ami shelter.

City staff have been communicating regularly withcampers and community partners, said the shelter's deputy director Franois Lescalier.

"What's important is to find a solution, and we're not at that stage yet. That's why there's a certain frustration among organizations and among campers who would like precise answers," he said in French.

Campers don't know exactly when they're expected to leave the area or how much time they'll have to relocate, Lescalier said.

They also don't know here they'll be going, he added, as the city still searching for an alternate location.

While he agrees the encampment will have to move before the demolition, Lescalier said just relocating the tents won't address thehomelessnessgripping the region.

"If it's [just going to] put people in the same situation somewhere else, it's not a sufficient response," he said.

Lescalier said he hopes the city will have more answers soon, while campers want a longer-term plan on where they can stay as warmer weather arrives.

City still searching for another location

There are several sites being considered for the proposed relocation, Hull-Wright Coun. Steve Moran said, with many issues to keep in mind.

The site will need water,showers and other sanitation measures, Moran said. It will have to be safe, while also not unduly impacting neighbours.

"We also have to consider the interest of the people being moved, the campers themselves. Is it an appropriate site? Is it close to various other social services which are required?" he said.

The city willtry to finalize a second location and complete themove over the next couple of months, Moran said.

Collaborating with those who will be most affected by the move is "really important," he said, noting that in downtown Gatineau, the rate of homelessness has gone up nearly 300 per cent in the past few years.

"People don't choose to live without homes," he said. "As a society, we do not provide the mental health care, the drug addiction care that we need to make sure that people don't live in these situations."

Preparing for summer

With the winterized tents set to be taken down next month,Devcore, the organization behind them, isalready planning for the warmer weather.

One proposal involves setting up shipping containers that have been converted into miniature houses, said Nancy Martineau, Devcore'sdirector of humanitarian projects.

The houses would havebeds, toilets, a small fridge and air conditioning, Martineau said. The proposal has yet to be approved by the city, however.

"We've already made plans, we've already met with companies that modify containers. So the work is well underway on our side," she told Radio-Canadain French.