As below-normal temperatures persist in Thunder Bay and areas close to the city, Indigenous leaders have been calling on their city counterparts to declare a state of emergency over homelessness, as many are forced to endure the bitter cold outdoors.
On Friday, Fort William First Nation Chief Michele Solomon and Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler appealed directly to Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff in a joint letter.
“This crisis has gone on long enough,” the letter says. “There will be people sleeping outside . . . as temperatures reach dangerous levels people are dying in the streets, in public parks, in bus shelters.”
The letter adds: “The lives of many of our people are at stake, and this needs to be treated with the urgency that it deserves.”
According to Environment Canada, the mercury is to only reach up to -15 C in Thunder today, seven degrees colder than normal. By Wednesday night, it’s set to plunge to -24 C.
In a statement, Boshcoff said he’s seen the letter from Solomon and Fiddler.
“The comments raised will be reviewed carefully and discussed with city council before a response is provided,” Boshcoff said.
“At this time,” he added, “it would be premature to offer further comment.”
Earlier studies have estimated there are more than 500 people in Thunder Bay considered homeless, with more than 65 per cent identifying as Indigenous.
The City has committed to building a temporary homeless village in Thunder Bay that would have 80 private, climate-controlled units and 24-hour staff support.
As temperatures dipped down to -45 C last Friday and through last weekend with wind chill, the City activated its severe weather response plan.
“Shelters and warming services remain available in the community, including two 24-hour emergency shelters at the Salvation Army and Shelter House, the Out of the Cold Program at Grace Place, and the Urban Abbey,” a City cold-weather bulletin said.
The bulletin mentioned other measures, including the Street Outreach Services van and other warming centres.
“Additionally, the City is also assessing further short-term measures, including alternative overnight spaces,” the bulletin added. “These measures are being evaluated in real time as conditions evolve.”
In their letter to Boshcoff about homelessness, Solomon and Fiddler say “we recognize Thunder Bay cannot solve this alone, and there needs to be resources from all levels of government.”
“We are willing to be there and work alongside you,” their letter says, “but it is your responsibility to call for help.”
