Last night nearly 200 people filed into the Smithers Christian Reformed Church to speak out about potential amendments to bylaw 1951 regarding Parks and open spaces.

Specifically, an amendment proposal that could change the current location of the homeless encampment at veteran’s park across for town hall, to allow for overnight sheltering in multiple parks in Smithers. Or keep the encampment where it is.

However, due to overwhelming concerns from the community, with dozens of letters submitted to town council to that effect, not one was in complete agreement with these changes and urged extreme caution as council moves forward with the bylaw adoption process.

The public open house heard from people representing all walks of life in our community and many also urged the need for more compassion for those living with out permanent homes in our community.

"I have heard from people that are living in encampments and who have been homeless, " said Smithers resident Eddie Young. "In response to this bylaw, they have identified problems which are all voices expressed in the process of having to pack up all belongings every day, retrieve them and set up. They will not be able to access services. They are scared they will be more vulnerable."

Regardless, the message from the community was loud and clear, proceed with caution. It was also mentioned many times, that a simple change to a municipal bylaw is not going to alleviate the situation of homelessness in our community and and a more long-term, permanent solution is need. But this is a highly complex issue that will not be fixed overnight.

Listen to the full episode below.