Saint John council supports banning homeless encampments in school and playground areas

Saint John City Council has supported a proposal to ban homeless encampments in designated "red zones," including areas around schools and playgrounds. The policy aims to prohibit tents and unofficial shelters in specific locations like daycares, sports fields, highways, and the Harbour Passage walkway. Outreach teams will assist individuals in relocating before potential enforcement actions. The plan, part of the city's Housing For All strategy, includes transitional housing and "yellow zones" where encampments may be permitted with landowner consent. A separate proposal to remove all encampments from city land will also be voted on.