A large homeless encampment in Omand’s Creek near CF Polo Park has area residents on edge. A path runs right by the encampment, connecting the neighbourhood to Polo Park. Keith Hiebert lives in a nearby apartment building and says he and his neighbours don’t feel safe on the path. “Myself and several other people have been threatened when we walk through,” Hiebert said. The camp has been growing since the spring, and there’s more than just tents — there are also wooden structures. “We hear hammering, we hear it being rebuilt and fortified, it’s a little concerning,” Hiebert said. But that’s not the only fear. The people living in the building and the homes that back onto the encampment are worried about safety issues connected to the encampment. Homeowner Frank Winkler says the encampment has caused a lot of tension. “We’re always concerned as to what’s happening, we check our backyards on almost a daily basis to wonder what’s gone missing,” Winkler said. Winkler has had to call for help in the past. “We had to actually phone 911 because there was a woman screaming and calling for help,” Winkler said. Over the weekend, Coun. Cindy Gilroy (Daniel McIntyre) hosted a meeting with residents to hear their concerns. Police were also in attendance. Gilroy believes the encampment is a magnet for crime. “Sexual exploitation is the biggest concern, it’s actually taking place on the grounds right in front of the apartment building,” Gilroy said. “We all know that there is drug selling that is taking place, and a chop shop on site.” Gilroy and residents are frustrated because the city has a policy prohibiting encampments within 50 metres of a rail line or crossing, and the camp is on the other side of a fence from a rail line. “I do feel that the city is, you know, not following their own bylaw,” Gilroy said. In a statement, the city said bylaw enforcement staff have visited the site numerous times to investigate safety issues and complaints to 311. “Currently, various city departments are actively involved and monitoring this location,” the city said. The city also said it continues to work with outreach groups to find supports for those living in area encampments. “I would like for somebody to find a place for these people to live,” Hiebert said. Since last year, the province and city have been working together to move people from encampments into housing. Recent numbers show around 260 people have been housed, with 85 per cent still in their homes.
