VOICE OF THE PEOPLE PRIORITIZE REMEDIATION OF ENCAMPMENT SITES

Thanks to public safety director Bill Moore and staff for their measured approach as campers vacated Parade Square, Victoria Park and the Lower Sackville ballfield.

Campers now have access to the dignity of flush toilets, showers and clean beds. In the aftermath, the challenge of soil remediation presents an alarming wakeup call that must guide future downtown encampment decisions.

In May 2023, tents appeared on public spaces without toilet access. Honey Huts were provided by summer, at a rough ratio of one hut for every 40 campers on two acres of land. Distance, privacy, weather and access understandably complicated use. Pots and bottles for nature calls became the option within the privacy of tents. They were emptied outside in the early hours, avoiding notice by all except early morning walkers.

None of this is a negative reflection on the campers; they were simply making the best of a bad situation. The result after 11 months is severely contaminated soil.

Soil testing and remediation at parks is essential before blankets can safely be laid out for family picnics, children can safely play on grass or baseball players can safely slide into home plate. Such remediation will require more than garbage removal, raking and seeding; new soil and sods will be needed, costs will be considerable and public access will be further denied pending repair.

The inevitable return of campers to downtown public spaces is now apparent on the boulevard of University Avenue. “Tent creep” must be stopped in a firm, fair and compassionate way before it is again beyond control, but relocation must occur.

Knowledge of each camper’s circumstances must replace “self reporting” to assess options through incisive interviews by seasoned professionals. The vulnerable who need care should be helped. Those who choose to be seasonal campers must be moved to serviced sites away from the downtown area, with bus ticket access as needed.

Reflection on the disconnects of 2023 must guide planning for 2024 out of respect for the campers, the public and the land itself.

Fred Honsberger, Halifax