Homelessness committee to meet with provincial ministers to discuss solutions for Fort St. John

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A city committee is to meet with multiple provincial ministers in an effort to decrease homelessness. 

The Council’s Response Committee on Housing and Emergency Shelter (CRCHES) has been authorized to meet with the heads of several provincial ministries to discuss potential solutions to homelessness in Fort St. John. 

CRCHES submitted its report to council on February 24th, with recommendations to communicate with the province about funding towards homelessness solutions, and to consider a pilot co-op housing program in Fort St. John. 

After receiving the report, council then received a request to authorize the committee to meet with the minister of housing and municipal affairs, the minister of public safety and solicitor general and the minister of health to discuss possible solutions, including the pilot program. 

The council has also previously approved a CRCHES resolution to be presented to the Northern Central Local Government Association which recommends advocating for alternative funding streams for local governments. 

When asked by fellow councillors, Councillor Trevor Bolin confirmed the meeting would be conducted virtually. 

Following a unanimous vote, the City of Fort St. John council approved CRCHES members to meet with the ministers and continue their advocacy for funding towards improving homelessness in the city.

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