Penticton's former city councillor-turned-MLA Amelia Boultbee's complaints about her former colleagues "cutting her out" from discussions on an encampment of unhoused individuals next to Ellis Creek drew flak from the city's mayor.
The Opposition MLA took to social media on May 25 to express her disappointment with the city after they appeared to have slighted her by not involving her in any discussions or meetings with either the province or the Penticton Indian Band over the encampment.
The camp is located on land that was taken by the Crown from the Penticton Indian Band, and is now part of an easement with the Ministry of Transportation and Transit along Highway 97, putting it out of both the band and city's jurisdiction.
Boultbee said that after initiating a meeting with the city at the end of January, that months later she had not received any further communication or invitations, while at the same time the encampment has grown.
Spurring her comments was an invitation to a meeting from the city.
"The day before yesterday I was asked to attend a meeting with the city. It was termed 'an emergency' and the word 'crisis' was used," Boultbee wrote. "No elected officials attended. Not the mayor. Not the deputy mayor. Not one councillor. It was just me and staff."
Boutlbee further claimed that the province has not offered any assistance to address the situation. She also claimed that she could have gotten things done if the city had accepted her offer of help in January.
On May 26, the city and Mayor Julius Bloomfield responded with a statement expressing their own disappointment in Boultbee's words.
Bloomfield noted that he was unable to attend the meeting she was recently invited to due to a conflicting commitment.
香蕉视频直播淚 was surprised to see MLA Boultbee disclose details from a confidential briefing, not an emergency meeting. I was in attendance at an RDOS board meeting and unable to attend," Bloomfield stated.
"This briefing was intended to support ongoing efforts to bring resources and increased investment to Penticton. Sharing sensitive information and political commentary in this way is reckless and undermines trust and effective collaboration, potentially compromising provincial resources coming to Penticton through the Heart & Hearth program."
Bloomfield added that Boultbee was provided what information was required, but that the confidential discussions are outside of the scope of her position.
"The encampment land in question is under provincial authority, and MLA Boultbee could have freely advocated on this issue in Victoria at her discretion," Bloomfield stated.
The response points out that the issue is a complicated one without a simple solution that will take time to address, and that the city has seen success with collaboration through the temporary winter shelter.
"To dismantle the encampment without a lawful or strategic plan to support its vulnerable residents would only do more harm to its residents and cause negative impacts to our community," Bloomfield said.
"We are advocating for a coordinated, legally sound response that respects all jurisdictions and community members. The work being done takes time and has seen substantial commitment from all participants."
In addition to Bloomfield's statement, the release from the city included a frequently asked question section, covering issues on water quality, crime, and potential economic impacts.
Interior Health monitors the region's beaches, and takes samples from various locations including three spots along the River Channel.
The RCMP and fire department continue to have authority to respond to the area, although it falls outside the boundaries of the municipality and thus bylaw has no jurisdiction.
The city ended by saying it is working towards resolving the issue prior to peak tourism season.
Boultbee also stated that she had brought the issue to Leader of the Opposition John Rustad, who she said will raise the issue during the question period at the Legislative Assembly's afternoon question period on May 28.
