Spike in crime, homelessness in Prince George linked to some wildfire evacuees

Officials say an increase in crime and homelessness in Prince George, B.C., can bepartially attributed to a "small percentage" of wildfire evacuees from neighbouring communities choosing to stay in the city.

In 2017, the city took in more than 10,000 evacuees roughly 12 per cent of its overall population and 2018's record-breaking wildfire season saw around 1,300 take shelter in the community.

• Prince George honoured for welcoming more than 10,000 evacuees last summer during wildfires

RCMP Supt. Warren Brown said while it is too early to evaluate this year's effects, a rise in crime in 2017 could be partially attributed to that surge in population.

Brownsaid RCMPhad identified several repeat offenders now living in Prince George who were previously known to police in neighbouring communities that had been affected by wildfires.

"A very small percentage plagued us with increases in crime downtown, specifically related to thefts, thefts from vehicles, and break-and-enters," he said.

Likewise, the city's bylaw manager Fred Crittenden said his staff has seen a rise in the number of people living on the street, many of whom are struggling with mental health and addiction.

"It is a struggle," he said.

More campers, food bank users

However, Crittendensaid many other issues are at play, and pointedout that communities across the province are dealing with similar issues.

Prince George's centrallocation also makes it attractive for people from northern communities to relocate to.

Eating lunch at a Prince George food bank,Anthony Brown said he had moved from Prince Rupert, B.C., in an effort to upgrade his work certificates.

"Bigger city, more opportunities here," he said.

Brown said while he had found a room to rent for $425 a month, he knew many others who weren't as lucky.

"See a lot of people sleeping outside here," he said. "If I had it my way, I'd put a roof over everybody's head."

• Homelessness outreach worker decries costly game of tent city 'whack-a-mole'

Shane Mingus said he had been living out of a tent since August, as he no longer wanted to deal with the shelter system.

Originally from Burns Lake, B.C., he said the services available in Prince George made it a better place to stay while searching for work.

Mingus said he both uses and volunteers with the food bank, as he feels it's a vital service for the community.

"The money we get, we can survive on," he said. "Burns Lake, Fort St. James, there's nothing like this."

'Hot spot' hotels closed

The city of Prince George has also been engaged in shutting down so-called "hot spots" for crime, suspending the business licences of several hotels identified by police as major sources of criminal activity.

• Prince George may act as model in addressingcrime

When asked if the loss of those units may be contributing to the rise in homelessness, Crittendensaid it's difficult to gauge, adding that the city has worked with provincial services to find people living in the hotels affordable housing elsewhere.

He said that, ultimately, it's the city's job to make sure businesses are operating according to the rules.

"Those were not great places to be living," he said.

"It's expected that you run a safe, healthy, clean business. We know that people can do that and still house the low income [residents]."

• Saanich tent city residents evicted from 2nd park in less than a week

But he said the situation is becoming more urgent as winter approaches.

"There has to be some long-term solutions. The city's not in a position to use a magic wand and create a whole bunch of housing... It's an issue that every community in this province is facing."

Read more from CBC British Columbia