The City of Richmond will hold a community meeting on May 9 after complaints about crime, drugs and other problems at a homeless camp on Westminster Highway.
For several months, about half a dozen people having been living in tents in the east Richmond neighbourhood. Angela Ellis and Jonathan Chow recently expressed concerns to the city’s public safety committee about the Hamilton camp, saying petty crime has risen in the area and they’re worried about safety.
Chow said there were incidents of public defecation, property crime and drugs used openly by those living in the camp.
At the May 9 meeting, city staff will tell community members how it has responded to the situation, address public concerns about safety and talk about how they’re trying to keep the people safe in the camp and help them find housing. They will also describe how the city and its partners are addressing homelessness. City council requested staff to set up this meeting.
Coun. Carol Day, who is liaison to the Hamilton Community Centre, said she has met with the community centre staff and was impressed by how they are dealing with those living in the camp, adding they know all the people by name and have a sign-in sheet for those visiting the centre.
“I’m really proud of the staff that are working at the Hamilton Community Centre,” she said at the April 23 council meeting.
The city has an email address to address issues at the camp – [email protected].
The community information meeting will be on Thursday, May 9 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the gym of Hamilton elementary, 5180 Smith Dr.
