Terrace RCMP has reported a significant increase in calls for service at the Ksan homeless shelter on Tetrault St. since its relocation from downtown Terrace about a month ago.
Between April 1 and 25, officers have responded to 26 calls for service, compared to only five throughout all of 2022. These calls cover a wide variety of issues, including disturbances, suspicious circumstances, breach of peace, unspecified assistance, Mental Health Act, wellbeing checks, assault and mischief.
Terrace RCMP Staff Sergeant Terry Gillespie stated that the detachment management team regularly meets with the Ksan management team to discuss challenges, including security issues. Of the 26 calls for service, charges have been recommended in only one case, he said.
READ MORE: Council welcomes homeless shelter move to Southside
City of Terrace Communications Advisor Tyler Clarke explained that the city’s bylaw and community safety officer team has met with Ksan staff and its contracted security company, Blue Hawk Security, to establish roles, responsibilities, and resources for addressing needs and concerns.
He also said the city is committed to increasing its bylaw and community safety officer presence in the area to support issues and complaints prevention, relationship building, and the facilitation of connections to services for vulnerable persons.
Clarke also noted that bylaw and community safety officers have gone door-to-door on Tetrault St. and will do the same on Hall St., providing contact information for residents and businesses to address questions or concerns.
The Ksan Society’s homeless shelter was relocated from downtown Terrace about a month ago to the old Elks Hall, which has been renovated and renamed Joe’s Place.
Councillor Dave Gordon expressed concerns about the relocation, stating, “I am worried about the transition of the problem to a less resilient neighbourhood than the downtown.”
Ksan officials assured council last year they would provide their own security at the new shelter location on Tetrault St., with Prince George-based Blue Hawk Security now fulfilling that role.
Viktor Elias joined the Terrace Standard in April 2023.
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