A fence is going up around the George Street stage in an effort to prevent people from using the platform as a shelter and place to sleep, but some see it as a hit on vulnerable people who don’t always have a roof over their head.

The 8-foot high locked fence will be designed to prevent vandalism as well.

The fencing, around the perimeter of the stage, will allow designated service providers to easily remove and replace each fence panel before and after scheduled events.

Dan Meades, provincial coordinator of the Transition House Association of NL, says it’s about the City of St. John’s making sure that poor people cannot be seen. He equates it to the removal of the bus shelter outside The Gathering Place.

He says they’re not worried about poverty, addictions or homelessness. The reason people sleep on the stage is because the awning provides them with a roof over their head.