Sidewalks, building entrances and stairwells have become makeshift resting places for some people in Regina’s Heritage neighbourhood, as residents say there are not enough places to sit and rest. Some say those experiencing homelessness have few options when they need somewhere to take a break or sleep. “You can sit anywhere you want, right? It’s the health care system and the housing needs to improve,” said resident Grayson Clark. “I find it disheartening, the businesses putting the spikes or the nails into the siding, or places where somebody could finally get a couple hours of rest,” noted resident Trevor Anderson. “I got the stairs here and I sit two sets up and I’m quite comfortable,” resident Dave Clark explained. Authorities have been patrolling the area, and residents say some will sometimes voluntarily move along when asked. Michael Bellegarde says finding a comfortable place to sit can require walking several blocks. “You have to go between five and eight city blocks to find somewhere to sit down comfortably,” he said. The concerns come as the neighbourhood has seen benches and bus shelters removed. Two benches in front of a city office were recently taken away, along with a few nearby bus shelters. The City of Regina said the benches were impeding access to the building, while the bus shelters were removed because they were not being used. The situation is part of the reason a ‘tent community’ formed in Pepsi Park. “We try to provide a safe space for people to go, and ultimately most people just want to sleep,” said community organizer Shawn Koch. “They just want to be able to sleep and take a load off. Pretty much everywhere in society they are told to keep moving and they’re kicked along.” The city said it will work with community partners to relocate the benches. No mention was made of the bus shelters.
