The issue of encampments along the Assiniboine and Red Rivers in Winnipeg has been a long-standing problem, with concerns ranging from safety issues to health hazards due to the accumulation of garbage. Recently, the City’s Executive Policy Committee unanimously approved an amendment to a motion that could potentially establish partnerships with community outreach organizations like Siloam Mission, Main Street Project, and the Downtown Community Safety Partnership to provide regular garbage removal services to certain encampments. The initial proposal included Winnipeg park staff performing weekly or bi-weekly garbage collection at approximately 150 encampments, costing an estimated $4 million annually. However, the approved amendment reduces this cost to $170,000 and allows the Chief Administrative Officer to enter into sole source agreements with the organizations.
City councillor Vivian Santos, who brought forward the recommendation, acknowledged that the original cost estimate was too high and expressed surprise at the $4 million figure. She receives daily calls from residents in her ward regarding the issue and believes that the proposed pilot project, while not a long-term solution, will have short-term benefits. The regular garbage removal services are expected to decrease costs over time, as stated in the report, and prevent large debris from entering the waters, lakes, and rivers surrounding the city. Santos and other committee members believe that these cleanups will not only address the garbage accumulation issue but also have positive impacts on the environment and safety of the community.
Siloam Mission CEO Tessa Blaikie-Whitecloud supports the hybrid approach of involving community outreach organizations in the cleanup efforts. These organizations have experience in building relationships with individuals staying in encampments, leading to better outcomes for all parties involved. Scott Ramos, the owner of Saint barbershop, also agrees that the encampments along the rivers need to be cleaned up. However, he emphasizes that safety for everyone, including those who use the river pathways, should be a top priority. While the proposed pilot project targets only a few encampments along the river initially, city residents are encouraged to report any other encampments they come across to city crews through 3-1-1.
The proposed partnership with community outreach organizations for regular garbage removal services is seen as a step towards addressing the ongoing issue of encampments along the Assiniboine and Red Rivers in Winnipeg. By reducing the cost of the cleanup efforts and involving organizations with experience in working with individuals in encampments, the city aims to improve the overall cleanliness and safety of these areas. The pilot project, expected to go before the council for approval, is seen as a short-term solution with potential long-term benefits. The collaboration between the city and community outreach organizations is believed to not only address the immediate garbage accumulation issue but also have positive impacts on the environment and the well-being of both residents and individuals staying in the encampments.
Overall, the approved amendment to the motion represents a more cost-effective and collaborative approach to managing encampments along the rivers in Winnipeg. City councillor Vivian Santos and other committee members recognized the need for a solution to the ongoing issues of safety, health hazards, and environmental impact posed by the encampments. By working with community organizations like Siloam Mission and Main Street Project, the city aims to provide regular garbage removal services that will benefit both the residents and individuals staying in the encampments. As the proposed pilot project moves forward, residents are encouraged to report any additional encampments that require attention to city crews, highlighting the city’s commitment to addressing this complex issue in a comprehensive and sustainable manner.
