Premier Andrew Furey has announced a new task force to address the current tent city situation as well as homelessness in the capital city and across the province.

The premier was joined by a number of cabinet ministers and members of St. John’s council, as well as community sector representatives working with the homeless.

They all met this morning at the call of the premier, given what he called the “evolving discourse” over the past 24 hours.

The result is a task force made up of representatives from the province, the city and community sector organizations such as End Homelessness St. John’s, Stella’s Circle, The Gathering Place and Thrive.

The group will be tasked with aligning and arming all organizations with the same information, gleaned from first-hand reporting from people on the frontlines to track progress or the lack thereof.

That information will then be relayed to the public, said Minister John Abbott, in order to correct the misinformation currently circulating.

For example, he said many are not aware that government support is on site daily with a harm reduction team, as well as staff with NLHC and the department of Children, Seniors and Social Development.

He said the province is also looking at establishing a new facility to expand access for the homeless, as well as supportive shelter in the short term, while longer term solutions are explored.

Bannerman Bathroom Issues Remain

However, the announcement offered no solution to the bathroom issues near the tent encampment at Bannerman Park.

The city closed the washrooms due to vandalism and damages that were unsafe for staff to work in.

Who would be responsible for providing portable toilets has been tossed back and forth between the province and the City of St. John’s.

The mayor has pressed the provincial government to provide port-a-potties at the site on the grounds of Colonial Building, but the province has declined to do so.