Tent distances from sidewalks, parking lots, trails and bridges will not be increased in Thunder Bay.
As directed by council, administration reviewed increasing the previously proposed distance guidelines discussed on July 15.
After consideration, Director of Strategy and Engagement, Cynthia Olsen, said in last night’s council meeting that increasing tent distances would spark more problems.
“Increasing distances could push encampments further into public spaces, increasing conflicts,” said Olsen. “Additional increases could also be seen as overly restrictive from a human rights-based perspective.”
The list of guidelines will remain the same at this time.
“They are a tool indented to alleviate tension between competing users of public spaces,” said Olsen. “They are not meant to be a solution.”
Olsen adds they will monitor how distances are functioning for everyone and consider making changes if needed.
