Regina city council to discuss federal funding to address homeless encampments [Video]

Regina’s Executive Committee unanimously approved a plan Wednesday to apply for federal funding related to addressing homeless encampments.

“The city is required to submit a Community Encampment Response Plan (CERB) which basically outlines what we will spend the money on,” City Manager Niki Anderson explained to councillors.

In September, the federal ministry of housing offered provinces funding to address homelessness as part of the “Solving the Housing Crisis” plan.

However, Minister Sean Fraser said in October, Saskatchewan had not responded to negotiate a deal.

Fraser’s office confirmed Thursday the province recently reached out but not until after the deadline had passed.

“We have begun discussions with municipalities in Saskatchewan to get funding to communities as soon as possible,” a statement to CTV News read. “To restart the work being done by going back to the province after our deadline would further delay funding for encampments at a critical time.”

“We …