{"id":40703,"date":"2026-04-04T07:16:56","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T07:16:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/?p=40703"},"modified":"2026-04-04T07:16:56","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T07:16:56","slug":"town-of-smithers-extends-private-security-contract-at-homeless-encampment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/foreignnewstoday.com\/?p=40703","title":{"rendered":"Town of Smithers extends private security contract at homeless encampment"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The small northwestern B.C. community of Smithers will continue to have private security guards patrol its homeless encampment until the fall, when the town\u2019s mayor said she hopes another solution will be in place<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI think the combination of the temporary winter shelter, that closed (March 31), and security and the seasonality \u2013 in that some people will find other accommodation during the cold weather \u2013 all made a difference in the winter months,\u201d said Gladys Atrill.<\/p>\n

Since the emergency warming shelter funded by BC Housing in the former Fabrications building closed, the town expects anywhere from 14 to 20 people will soon be living in the encampment, where approximately four to seven people stayed over the winter.<\/p>\n

The town of 5,400 does not have a permanent homeless shelter, and the encampment on the edge of Veterans Peace Park across from the municipal hall has been expanding since 2020.<\/p>\n

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Last year, Smithers council approved spending up to $234,000 annually for private security to monitor the officially designated Temporary Overnight Sheltering Area (TOSA) and conduct roving patrols of the downtown core.<\/p>\n

Two Blue Hawk Security guards started Oct. 1, 2025 on a six-month trial basis, and to help maintain public safety, the town has extended their contract for overnight weekday and 24\/7 weekend patrols until November 2026.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s money that we\u2019ve made the decision to spend in order to try to create the best circumstance that we can for everyone,\u201d Atrill told Global News. \u201cWe are hoping that by next fall there is something in place and you know, what exactly it looks like I don\u2019t know, but it will provide ideally, some shelter, the services that the shelter provided.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\tThe homeless encampment in Smithers will remain until the fall, officials say, when they hope a more permanent solution will be available.\t\t\t\t<\/span>
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\t\t\t\t\tTown of Smithers\t\t\t\t<\/cite>
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In February, the town of Smithers said it was selected as one of the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs and BC Housing\u2019s HEART and HEARTH communities.<\/p>\n

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Funded by the province under the Belonging in BC Homelessness Plan, Homeless Encampment Action Response Teams or (HEART) increase coordinated outreach services, while Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing or (HEARTH), helps create new shelter and temporary housing spaces.<\/p>\n

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Smithers, according to BC Housing, is one of 15 local governments partnering with the province to put in place HEART and\/or HEARTH.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe HEART and HEARTH program focuses on both outreach and housing support, helping people with addiction and mental health challenges connect with services, while also providing physical shelter and pathways toward stable housing,\u201d said Smithers community services director Samantha LeBlanc in an email.<\/p>\n

BC Housing and Smithers will explore opportunities for a HEARTH site.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re in conversation right now\u2026on a permanent shelter space, location, and the supports to make sure it\u2019s well integrated into the community,\u201d said B.C. Housing Minister Christine Boyle Thursday.<\/p>\n

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