The Town of Caraquet recently approved the establishment of a temporary warming shelter at the local airport. Initially, the town council postponed the decision due to objections from residents, but Mayor Bernard Thériault mentioned that the community has now embraced the initiative.
The Acadian Peninsula Regional Service Commission is set to create a six-bed overnight shelter at the airport, which is unused during the winter, to address the needs of the homeless population in the area. This solution has been in progress for over two years.
After addressing concerns from locals, the council postponed the vote to deliberate on the matter. Following a public meeting on Jan.15, where social workers and project stakeholders were present, officials clarified why the chosen location was the most viable option for the current year and elaborated on the security measures in place.
Residents were apprehensive about the project potentially becoming a long-term solution, but after discussions and meetings, they agreed to allow the town to pilot the project for the year. Mayor Thériault expressed gratitude for the community’s support and willingness to assist in making the initiative successful.
Cédric Landry, the director of community engagement for the Acadian Peninsula Regional Service Commission, expressed relief and joy during the council meeting, noting the challenges they faced over the past three years in finding a suitable solution. Despite the victory, the team is focused on operationalizing the shelter by early February and is already exploring options for next winter, as the council’s approval was contingent on a single winter.
Approximately 100 to 150 individuals on the Acadian Peninsula experience some form of homelessness, with around 10 people currently living in absolute homelessness. The shelter, accommodating six individuals, will operate from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. when temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius.
Mayor Thériault acknowledged the lessons learned from the process, emphasizing the need for improved communication channels with the community. He highlighted the importance of engaging residents and providing them with opportunities to understand the decision-making process.
The focus remains on finding a permanent solution to address homelessness in the area, with the warming shelter serving as one of the tools in the effort.
