As the Ottawa City Commission puts the final touches on what they call a “camping policy”, Ottawa Police Chief Adam Weingartner addressed the commission and told of how, in the past few years, the community policing unit, which consists of officers trained in mental health and other needs, has developed a great relationship with the homeless population in our area. There was a concern that some of that trust may be broken if the ordinance was passed as is. However, Weingartner says he believes through their continued work, they can keep that trust:
The commission tabled the discussion until next week’s meeting due to two major player being absent. Homeless Coalition Director Brett Staneslow was dealing with a fire at his house, that ironically, left his family homeless for a few months, and Blessing Box Julie Riggins, who was running the emergency cold shelter in his place.
