ST. PAUL - While hesitant to use the word 'vagrancy' or 'homeless,' incidents of people setting up tents and starting small warming fires in areas within the Town of St. Paul were brought forward during the Nov. 8 Town of St. Paul council meeting.
No direction was provided, and no motions were made by council, but Director of Protective Services Trevor Kotowich offered council a briefing on the topic and said the Town's Municipal Enforcement staff will continue to conduct patrols in specific areas, along with engaging with partners such as RCMP "to address this systemic challenge head on."
Acknowledging that there are members of the community who have been seeking refuge in areas of the Town's parks, golf course, and other wooded areas around the community, Kotowich said he didn't like to use the word "vagrancy" but noted it was likely the most accepted term.
"In most cases, these individuals are not causing a disturbance or breaking the law," stated Kotowich.
He noted there have been some occurrences of open liquor, and when discovered by either Community Peace Officers or the RCMP, the liquor is poured out, and the individuals are asked to move along.
Kotowich, who is also the St. Paul Fire Department's fire chief, did confirm that over the last few weeks, "there have been a couple of incidents where small warming fires were started in the bush on the golf course, and when discovered by authorities, were extinguished without cause or concern."
He noted that the issue is not unique to St. Paul. In recent discussions with other area fire chiefs, similar incidents of fire departments being dispatched to fires in wooded areas have been reported in neighbouring communities such as Bonnyville and Cold Lake, in the past week.
Looking into the matter, Kotowich said he believes most of the individuals are not actually homeless, but many do suffer from addictions, preventing them from going home.
Town of St. Paul Mayor Maureen Miller spoke briefly to the issue, affirming that the people are members of the community, and many suffer from mental health and addiction issues.
"We know many people by name," said the mayor, adding, there are organizations trying to assist individuals in need.
"We need to look at this through a compassionate eye," said Miller.
A letter attached to the Nov. 8 Town of St. Paul agenda from an area resident voiced concern about people "camped out on the golf course."
While the resident noted she understood some of the people have nowhere to go, she reported hearing lots of yelling, branches breaking and has noticed fires happening in the area.
She also reported an individual coming into her yard, repeatedly knocking on windows and attempting to open the door of the home. Police were called and did respond. The resident reported feeling scared and unsafe.
Like always, Kotowich encouraged the public to contact RCMP if they feel unsafe or threatened in any situation.
