Niagara mayors want action from the region, Mat Siscoe adding it is the region's responsibility
A very frustrated St. Catharines mayor and regional councillor letting off steam over trying to sort out the homeless camp problem.
Mat Siscoe was asking for solutions from regional staff to find people places to live, adding there's a few people who cause problems in homeless shelters and aren't allowed in them.
He then spoke directly to his colleagues. "It is this level of government's responsibility. You can come and yell and scream about the things that I'm doing in the City of St. Catharines and call me all kinds of names... I don't care. I'm trying to protect the residents of my community."
Councillor Rob Foster said if there was a simple solution it would be in place.
Councillor Tom Insinna pointed out the people refused access to homeless shelters for their behaviour.
He added they are trying to help as many as possible. "But yet, we allow a minority of people to do whatever they're going to do, whether it's break the rules, or whatever. If they weren't in encampments, the police would be called."
Councillor Haley Bateman noted sometimes people are not charged because a victim does not press charges, whether it's for drug use, sexual assault, or human trafficking.
Regional staff added they are working on solutions to find people a place to live.
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