FORT ST. JOHN -- Fort St. John City Council has approved the creation of a new committee to tackle homelessness in the city.

The Committee on Housing and Emergency Shelter will include Councillors Trevor Bolin, Sarah MacDougall, and Gord Klassen. Bolin first proposed the idea in July, following a rise in homeless encampments.

The committee aims to understand the root causes of homelessness, identify barriers to housing, and develop actionable solutions.

“The focus areas of the committee are housing solutions, health services, public safety, social services, employment opportunities, and community relations,” read the Request For Decision dated August 26, 2024.

Starting next year, the committee will receive an annual budget of $5,000.

“The deliverables for the committee are to provide an assessment report, a stakeholder engagement summary, an action plan, and progress reports.”

The councillors will serve on the committee until the end of their term in 2026.