Empathy and enforcement

Down-on-his-luck RV owner leads to tough call for Summerside councillors

SUMMERSIDE – Councillors had a tough call to make in empathizing with a down-onhis-luck man while ensuring city bylaws are enforced.

Discussion on the matter occurred during Summerside's committee meeting on June 2, held via video conference.

The matter involves a man who has been parking his recreation vehicle (RV) on a Chestnut Avenue property and living inside it, which is against the City Zoning Bylaw.

Aaron MacDonald, the city's technical services director, said that a letter was issued to the property owner and the RV owner in November 2019. The RV owner later met with city representatives to explain his situation – one aspect being difficulty in finding affordable housing.

The man was given a set time to find another living situation, but MacDonald confirmed that the resident was still living in his RV on the same property as of this spring.

"So, here we are at the same situation. We have a gentleman who can't find lodging," he said.

Dave Poirier, the city's chief of police, said he has met with the resident several times since issuing the letter.

"The bottom line is he's got no place to go – no money," he said. "He's down on his luck."

The RV is registered and roadworthy. The man has occasionally slept inside the property owner's house during cold winter nights, but this might not always be the case, which has MacDonald concerned, he said.

Many councillors expressed empathy for the man's situation and a desire to not cause more hardship or public shaming, but most agreed that the bylaw had to be adhered to and enforced.

"I have a hard time supporting kicking this person to the curb," Coun. Justin Doiron said.

Mayor Basil Stewart posed the question of what council would be faced with if more people started following suit by not complying with the city's bylaws.

It was decided to issue a second letter stating the man must comply within a set time – if not, action will be taken.

The letter will also contain local and provincial resources for low-income and housing support.