City council supported the mayor's push to override the Charter, if needed, to move homeless camps away from certain areas
It was a tough vote for some Welland city councillors... supporting the mayor's request the province use the notwithstanding clause to move homeless camps, even if there's nowhere to put them.
Councillor Mary Ann Grimaldi remembers a 2003 convention in Toronto, to end homelessness in North America. She adds it's only gotten worse.
She says there are so many parts to this problem. "If human life is not safe, and you stand there and do nothing, and the most horrendous thing happens, that's on the person who could have done something."
Mayor Frank Campion added right now there is nothing they can do, even if someone is in danger.
However, Councillor Leo Van Vliet voted against, pointing out the federal, provincial and regional governments have downloaded so many responsibilities to municipalities.
He adds this is a provincial issue, not municipal. "Here we are, asking the provincial government if we could please take over some of that responsibility. I don't think it's our position to do that, I think we should leave this alone, and I don't think our staff need the extra headaches that this is going to bring on."
The majority of council supported the mayor, although he doesn't need council's support.
Council voted for an amendment by Councillor David McLeod, and that's to have use of the clause end on December 31st, 2026.
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