Winnipeg resident voices concern over safety due to homeless encampment in Fort Rouge Park

A homeless encampment by the riverbank in Fort Rouge Park has raised safety concerns for a local resident. Danelle Hueging, who has lived in the River Avenue-Osborne area for 12 years, says she and her neighbors have experienced break-ins, vandalism, and theft.

"Overall, this is part of a bigger problem. It’s about more than just safety. We’re dealing with poverty, homelessness, access to resources, addiction, and mental health issues. It’s overwhelming," Hueging said.

Her car and home have been broken into, and she often expects stolen items to end up at the encampment, which she describes as dangerous due to substance abuse and mental health issues. Neighbors have shared similar concerns, with some waking up to people sleeping on their steps or looking in their windows, creating a sense of unease.

Lisa Hargrave, another neighbor, also voiced concerns about people under the influence of drugs or alcohol in the area. She believes these issues are tied to the neighborhood’s larger struggles, including lower-income housing and some gang activity.

Last Wednesday, a tragic incident occurred when Tammy Bateman, in her 30s, was struck and killed by Winnipeg police driving through the park to return someone to the encampment. Hueging recalled hearing a man shouting in the park that night, followed by the arrival of paramedics and police.

This area is supposed to be family-friendly, Hueging emphasized, and she hopes safety concerns can be addressed promptly. She suggested more resources for those in need, better lighting, and other measures to improve safety.

She has raised these issues with Coun. Sherri Rollins, who represents Fort Rouge East Fort Garry. Rollins acknowledged that encampments and housing concerns are ongoing problems, with her office receiving daily complaints.

"Residents contact my office every single day about encampments and their concerns. For the last six years, this has been a significant part of the casework," Rollins said. She highlighted the city's involvement in a $25 million project with the federal and provincial governments as part of a national housing strategy.

Jamil Mahmood from the Main Street Project, which supports vulnerable residents, echoed the need for housing. "We need housing, and unless there is a commitment to build enough, we can’t take a firmer approach. No one would choose to live in encampments if there were safer options," he said.

Mahmood emphasized the importance of incorporating harm reduction into housing, but noted there is currently not enough variety in housing options to meet people’s needs. "Until we build that, we won’t see an end to homelessness," he added.

The City of Winnipeg stated that it uses a human rights-based approach when addressing encampments on public property. City staff attempt to connect encampment residents with shelter resources and only assess whether an encampment should be vacated if there’s an immediate safety risk.

Meanwhile, residents like Hueging are calling for concrete solutions. "We need better options," she said, suggesting ideas like sanctioned encampments, more safe housing, or curfews in parks that are frequently used by children.