St. John’s City Council has approved a security fence at the stage on George Street.
The 8-foot high locked fence will be designed to prevent vandalism and homeless individuals using it as sleeping quarters.
The fencing, around the perimeter of the stage, would allow designated service providers to easily remove and replace each fence panel before and after scheduled events.
The development was passed, albeit not unanimously. Councillor Ophelia Ravencroft, who voted against the development, says it does nothing to address the route causes of homelessness and only moves this issue to another location.
She says people who are blocked off from sleeping in the area do not suddenly have houses to go to. She says spending money on these types of initiatives does nothing to address the root causes.
Meanwhile, Councillor Ron Ellsworth, who was in support of the motion, says council was reluctant to have to go down this road but he believes there are sufficient supports for those displaced by the motion.
He says the opportunities for emergency housing provided by shelters and the province go a long way. He does not believe the situation is indicative of a housing need, but is a matter of safety, both for those visiting the area and those sleeping on the stage.
The fence was approved by a vote of seven to two.