Editor: Re: Question of the Week regarding the City’s decision to lock the gate at Rotary Centennial Park.
Pastor Leith White states, “we want to work with the whole community in a positive way.”
All food providers would best serve the homeless community by joining the existing food service providers at the Gateway of Hope homeless shelter. This would end any confusion, as the homeless population are aware of this food distribution site. This site would incur no cost to the City in bylaw enforcement.
All resource and referral needs can be met at this site, which is very close to the park. This choice and co-operation/co-ordination of food providers would prevent duplication of services and represents a viable alternative to outdoor food service.
I support locking the park, as alternative services/resources are available at no cost to the City.
Of course the City is trying to deter any outreach services in public parks. Many groups can work together at this purpose-built facility. There should be no problem working together to stop the “enabling” of various support groups.
They can work together at Gateway in the common purpose of supporting the homeless with best practices in mind. So go there, pastors, volunteers and Angels. This is working with the whole community in a positive way.
S. Carter,
Langley City