REGINA — A group of Regina residents are calling on the city to enact encampment policies to help those without a home.
Regina has seen multiple encampment sites taken down over the past few years, including one dismantled near Carmichael Outreach in June.
Many people displaced by encampment sites ultimately have nowhere else to live.
“These have been painful times for many people,” said activist Florence Stratton on Wednesday.
Stratton laid out four parts of the proposed encampment policy.
The first is for the city to commit not to remove encampments established on Regina property unless people have been provided with permanent, adequate and appropriate housing.
“To do otherwise is to violate the Canadian Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms,” said Stratton.
A report from the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation obtained by the Sask. NDP, through a freedom of information request, details over 400 social housing units being vacant in Regina as of Dec. 2024.
“That is just so painful. People are suffering and dying on our streets because they don't have housing,” said Stratton in response to a question about the report.
The second part of the policy is providing support, like bathrooms with handwashing, portable water, garbage disposal and collection, and easy access to transportation.
Stratton said it would make sense for a designated encampment space in central Regina for people to easily access supports.
The third part of the policy is to repeal laws and policies criminalizing homelessness. This includes being in a city park after 11 p.m.
Finally, working with municipalities across Canada to put pressure on the federal government to restart the national affordable housing program.
Stratton made it clear encampments aren’t a permanent solution, saying housing is the priority.
She confirmed there was recent dialogue between city politicians, staff and residents on encampments.
The 'encampment strategy response' will also be on the July 30 city council agenda.
