In communities across British Columbia, and our entire country, it is
increasingly common to see people experiencing homelessness living in
encampments, parks, or on the streets. When we see these situations,
or personally experience the impacts, it can be easy to be frustrated
and assume nothing is being done.
Homelessness, housing, mental health, and addiction are complex
social and economic issues that require collaboration from all levels of
government, service providers, and the broader community. The Town
of Smithers is actively trying to minimize challenges and deliver
solutions for our community.
Addressing homelessness and housing is a prime concern for the Town of
Smithers. In the 2023 – 2026 Strategic Priorities Plan, Council identified
key areas which are important to the long-term well-being and vitality of
our community. Among these priorities are:
- HOUSING AFFORDABILITY AND DIVERSITY - Strive for adequate,
appropriate, and diverse housing for all. - COMMUNITY WELL-BEING - Advocate for the provision of adequate
shelter for vulnerable populations. - COMMUNITY SAFETY- Engage with stakeholders and other levels of
government regarding crime prevention strategies. - BUILD COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS - Foster an environment that
relies on community dialogue, collaboration, innovation, and
partnerships in continuing to build a stronger, resilient and more
inclusive community.
Social Responsibility
Every person who is experiencing homelessness is someone’s loved one - a
brother, sister, parent, or child. Often, they also have experienced
challenges in their lives causing circumstances where they are not able to
secure traditional housing at that point in their lives. These are important
considerations that are often overlooked in discussions about homelessness
in our community and around the country. Those experiencing
homelessness deserve dignity and respect, particularly in times of hardship.
Legal Responsibility
Recent legislation and Court decisions have established that municipalities
must provide space for unhoused people who lack alternative overnight
shelter. This means that the Town of Smithers is legally obligated to provide
temporary overnight sheltering space for community members who do not
have a home or adequate shelter. Currently, the Town of Smithers has
designated park space across from Town Hall as the location. This location
was chosen because the Town owns the land and it is near essential services
for unhoused community members.
As we try to find solutions to address homelessness in our community, it is
critical to acknowledge that everyone has the right to a place to exist or call
home. The Town also recognizes that all community members have the right
to be safe within their community, home, and place of work.
Recent Steps the Town Has Taken to Address Issues in the Community
Collaboration with BC Housing
The Town has contributed land and worked closely with BC Housing on recent housing projects, including Goodacre Place. These collaborative efforts are crucial in providing necessary support and housing options for those experiencing homelessness.
In February 2024, Town Council approved the rezoning application for BC Housing's Alfred Avenue Project, which will provide 40 units of supportive housing. Supportive housing typically includes 24/7 support services such as meals, life and employment skills training, and health and wellness support.
Smithers Situation Table
The Town is working with the Smithers Situation Table to help front-line staff from the public safety, health, and social service sectors identify underlying issues contributing to crime and social challenges. Situation Tables are setting up across the province to provide a regular meeting space for social service agencies to provide support at risk community members. Through collaborative problem-solving and resource allocation, the Smithers Situation Table can implement targeted interventions to mitigate risk factors and enhance community safety and well-being. The Smithers Situation Table consists of 20+ social service agencies to provide wrap-around services for those in need in the community.
A Second Community Safety Officer
An additional Community Safety Officer joined the Town of Smithers team in May 2024. Town of Smithers Community Safety Officers assist with efforts to maintain a safe environment for all residents and businesses. Officers work closely with community members and local agencies to address safety concerns in the community. Funding for this new position is provided through the Province of B.C.’s NorthernHealthy Communities Fund. The grant will support the new Community Safety Officer position for a three-year period starting in 2024.
Local Partnerships
The Town is working closely with a variety of community service agencies to support those experiencing homelessness. These partnerships are essential in providing comprehensive support to our most vulnerable residents. The Town’s ongoing collaboration with organizations such as the RCMP and Citizens on Patrol ensures that the safety concerns of the community are being addressed effectively and lawfully.
Select Committee on Community Safety and Well-being
Town Council recently established a Select Committee on Community Safety and Well- Being to explore, evaluate, and recommend to Council actionable policies, programs, and initiatives aimed at reducing crime and fostering a sense of safety in the community. This Committee creates space to bring together a variety of perspectives and expertise to help identify potential solutions that will work in our community.
Tent Uplift Program
The Town was involved in regular clean-ups of the temporary overnight shelter area. These activities were halted in September 2023 to refine and update Town safety practices. The Town re-started clean-ups with a pilot tent uplift program in May 2024 at the temporary overnight sheltering area. The pilot program involved a respectful and supportive act of temporarily lifting and moving all tents so the sheltering area could be restored and then the tents were put back in place. The pilot initiative was designed to assess and adapt processes for the safety and well-being of those residing at the temporary overnight sheltering area, Town staff, and other community partners. The intention moving forward is to have regularly scheduled tent uplift events to help maintain the safety and well-being of the community.
Advocacy for Continued Support
Town Council and staff are continuously advocating to the Province and other levels of government for additional supports in our community. We have been actively lobbying for resources such as complex care facilities, outreach programs, additional mental health support, affordable housing options, and addiction treatment facilities
Homelessness in Smithers will not be solved overnight and not by the Town
working alone. This is why we remain committed to working with other levels of government, our local service providers, individuals, families and social service agencies in our community to build on the progress we've collectively made to date. The Town remains committed to finding long-term solutions for everyone in our community.
Who to Contact
To report theft, alcohol and drug use, or intoxication, property crime, trespassing, or emergent crime, please call 911 or the non-emergency line for the Smithers RCMP detachment at 250-847-3233.
To report animal control issues, graffiti, parking issues, noise complaints or contraventions in a Town Park please call the Community Safety Officers at 250-847-1600.
For all general inquiries to the Town please email front@smithers.ca or call 250-847-1600.
View the full Who to Call Sheet here.