Published January 30, 2024

The Devcore group, at a recent press conference, provided an insightful update on Camp Guertin’s role in addressing homelessness since its launch on December 18. Camp Guertin, an initiative of the Devcore Group, was endorsed by the city as a temporary solution to alleviate homelessness.

Currently, the camp is a haven for 49 individuals, offering them shelter from the harsh winter in 48 heated tents. Sylvain Henry of the “Tent City Network” on Facebook reports that these red Devcore tents are equipped with electricity, but initially faced issues with water resistance. As the snow melted, it would seep inside the tents, creating a risk of fire and possible electrocution.

To address this, black waterproof tarps have been added over the tents, ensuring better safety for the residents. Of these tents, 95% are now occupied, with the remaining few waiting for tenants from temporary encampments. To qualify for a heated tent, residents must fill in details and pass a screening test, which includes agreements not to use drugs, drink alcohol, or smoke inside the tents. Those who have been refused a tent likely did not agree to these conditions.

Additionally, there are about 15 or so temporary tents remaining from the old area behind “Le Gite Ami” shelter and near Brewery Creek. The City of Gatineau is responsible for cleaning up the existing debris, as it is on city property.

Nancy Martineau, director of humanitarian projects at Devcore, highlighted the camp’s significant role in building trust and aiding reintegration into society. “The stability of a camp allows the establishment of a trust bond, and also aids in concrete progress,” Martineau stated.

She elaborated on the assistance provided to residents, including obtaining Medicare cards, social security enrollment, and tax return filing, thereby facilitating their integration into the system through personalized plans. A notable achievement of the camp is the marked decrease in drug use and violent incidents, attributed partly to the implementation of a “code of life” for residents.

The Devcore Group had promised access to hot showers and a laundry facility in a nearby abandoned building. Unfortunately, these amenities remain inaccessible due to a roadblock from the Outaouais Housing Office (OHO), which owns the former school building at 117 Carillon St.

The OHO stated that the building did not meet fire and safety standards, a situation that Martineau described as “incomprehensible” given the checks and field visits conducted with OHO representatives and Gatineau City preventionists.

This impasse has left about 50 residents of Camp Guertin without convenient access to basic hygiene facilities, forcing them to walk a kilometer to shower and leaving them with no place to wash their clothes. Additionally, a proposed solution by Devcore to renovate a building on Morin ​Street for these purposes fell through as the building was condemned. An alternate plan for a trailer with six showers was also scrapped due to building code regulations or other issues.

Photo: Condemned and abandoned: The boarded-up building on Morin Street, initially earmarked for renovations by Devcore Construction to provide essential facilities for Tent City residents, now stands condemned due to its deteriorating condition, leaving the fate of the community’s amenities uncertain. (TF) Photo: Colin Clarke

With notes from Mary Baskin, Marie-Eve Turpin and Lily Ryan

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