Province must act on Southwood encampment

Fort Garry

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 01/01/2025 (592 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Once a seasonal gathering, the Southwood encampment has expanded into a year-round community of unhoused individuals who have, through necessity, created their own network of mutual support. Past trauma, mental health challenges and addiction make many vulnerable people feel safer in encampments than in overcrowded Manitoba shelters which offer no privacy. It is clear that action must be taken by the province to address the needs of the unhoused while mitigating the impact on nearby residents.

The Southwood encampment has led to growing tensions between its residents and those living in homes directly across the street. Vandalism, crime, and dangerously large campfires have become frequent issues, with garbage, needles, and other refuse scattered across sidewalks, bus shelters, and streets. Overburdened outreach workers and the lack of resources for mental health care, addiction services, and emergency support have only worsened the situation.

As the provincial government is ultimately responsible for the health and safety of all Manitobans, housed or unhoused, it must commit to finding a sustainable solution, but has yet to take meaningful action. I contacted the office of the minister of housing, addictions and homelessness in July about this issue, and was told that the city is responsible for co-ordinating social services, while the province is focused on increasing access to housing to meet the needs of people living in encampments. I was also told that a sustainable solution would involve creating a communal housing model for the residents of encampments.

Housing, mental health, public safety and addiction services fall under provincial jurisdiction, yet after nearly six months with no announcements, funding commitments or timeline for action, the Kinew government appears to be playing jurisdictional games.

The province must take immediate steps to improve the safety and accessibility of shelters. If it cannot or will not improve the housing situation, it is the province’s duty to co-ordinate with the city for immediate services such as needle drop boxes, garbage removal, and mental health support. This is a public-health crisis, and the ongoing failure to do so puts both the residents of the encampment and the nearby community at risk.

The need for action has never been more urgent as people endure the winter weather without adequate shelter, and the lack of any concrete plan from the Kinew government is troubling. This is a problem that can be alleviated through timely and co-ordinated action from the province, but instead we see a lack of urgency and leadership. It is time for the Kinew government to stop delaying action and address the crisis at Southwood and at encampments across the province.

The people of Fort Garry – and all Manitobans – deserve better.