Kamloops proposing buffer zones for temporary overnight shelters as work on Encampment Response Plan continues

It also requires people to clear away all of their belongings and any waste and follow a series of other rules, failing which their shelters may be removed.

New buffer zones, restrictions proposed

Amendments being proposed include adding “nature parks, linear parks, and open space areas” to the list of prohibited areas where overnight camps won’t be permitted to reduce the risk of interface of fires.

Staff are also proposing buffer zones of 25 metres from playgrounds, waterparks, swimming pools, wading pools, or tot lots on public lands; 50 metres from schools; and four metres from sidewalks, multi-use pathways, roads, bridges and other transportation or active transportation infrastructure.

“While temporary overnight sheltering is already prohibited in these areas, the proposed bylaw amendments would add buffer zones around these areas most frequented by children and families,” the report said. “This approach has been used in comparable bylaws in other municipalities.”

A 10 metre buffer zone is also being proposed around city water intakes, reservoirs, lift stations and other civic utilities infrastructure to reduce the potential for damage caused by digging in order to secure temporary shelters.

“While the proposed bylaw amendments are intended to enhance public safety, reduce specific risks, and provide greater clarity regarding temporary overnight sheltering, they are not intended to address the underlying causes of homelessness or, on their own, resolve the challenges associated with unsheltered encampments,” the report cautioned.

“The review reinforced that homelessness is a complex issue that requires coordinated action across housing, health, social services, outreach, and public safety systems.”

The city’s current regulations date back to 2018, but staff note there has been “a significant increase” in homelessness, along with what staff say are “evolving challenges related to outdoor sheltering.”

“Concerns about public safety, environmental impacts, wildfire risk, proximity to sensitive land uses, and the suitability of some existing sheltering areas led Council to direct staff to review the current bylaw and guidelines,” the report added.

“The goal was to identify potential amendments that better balance community safety, operational considerations, and the rights of individuals who have no alternative but to shelter outdoors.”

According to city staff, the changes were put forward after a recently completed review highlighted opportunities to strengthen the current regulatory framework. They note though that the review did not help identify alternative locations where people could shelter.

“While care must be taken to avoid unintended risks or enforcement challenges, there are opportunities to strengthen the Parks and Public Lands Bylaw by introducing additional prohibited areas and buffer zones,” the report said.

Encampment Response Plan Being Developed

Report authors Natasha Hartson, the city’s Social, Housing, and Community Development Manager, and Will Beatty, the city’s Community Services Manager, also said work is underway on an Encampment Response Plan for Kamloops, though its not clear when it will be released.

They note the plan is being developed in partnership with BC Housing, the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Interior Health, social agencies and the City of Kamloops.

“The plan is intended to establish a coordinated and consistent approach to encampment response that prioritizes engagement, outreach, and connection to services,” the pair wrote in the report.

“It will clarify roles and responsibilities, improve communication and coordination among partners, and support more proactive efforts to help individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness access shelter, housing, and other supports.”

The city said the plan is intended to be used alongside the proposed bylaw amendments to try and improve community safety while supporting housing and long-term stability for people experiencing homelessness.

“Together, these changes represent a balanced and measured approach that recognizes the realities of temporary overnight sheltering while taking reasonable steps to improve community safety, resilience, and the responsible management of public lands,” the report concluded.

by Victor Kaisar

Kamloops proposing buffer zones for temporary overnight shelters as work on Encampment Response Plan continues

New buffer zones, restrictions proposed

Encampment Response Plan Being Developed

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