Meadow Lake residents raise safety concerns over unhoused individuals in RBC vestibule

Business owners in the area are also seeing firsthand the effects of this situation, noting that no one wants to enter an establishment when people are loitering outside.

“I want my customers to feel safe,” said another resident. “I want to feel safe. I want my family to feel safe, at this point, we don’t.”

This resident shared a recent story when they attempted to pay a bill at the RBC.

“I was approached by an individual asking for money…They swore at me when I said no.”

Residents mentioned there is a need for more resources in their northern community, including a 24/7 homeless facility with addiction and mental health services.

“There is an emergency shelter in place ran by the Homeplate Coalition,” Mayor Merlin Seymour wrote in a statement to meadowlakeNOW. “They do have rules in place for people using the shelter to ensure that the people who are using the shelter are kept safe.”

However, Seymour said the use of the RBC for sleeping or substance use is not acceptable.

“I am concerned for the safety of our citizens that are wanting to use the ATM after hours. Numerous occasions residents have (gone) to use the RBC ATM and there are sometimes five to 10 people occupying it. I have witnessed this personally,” he wrote.

RBC Regional Vice President Dale Rohovich wrote the bank continues to monitor the situation closely and reports on daily activity.

“The safety and well-being of our clients, employees, and community remain our top priority.”

While he could not disclose specific details about the measures being taken for security reasons, Rohovich said the matter is being addressed with consideration to banking clients’ needs and concerns of the Meadow Lake community.

“We are grateful to the RCMP for their essential role in keeping Meadow Lake a safe place to live, visit, and do business. Addressing homelessness is a complex challenge that requires the care, empathy, and collaborative efforts of our entire community. We remain committed to doing our part in this important work.”

Rohovich encourages Meadow Lake RBC clients to visit the bank if they have any questions or concerns.

MeadowlakeNOW awaits a response from the local RCMP; more information will be shared when available.

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Alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com

With files from Ryan Lambert – Ryan.lambert@pattisonmedia.com

by Alyssa Rudolph

Meadow Lake residents raise safety concerns over unhoused individuals in RBC vestibule

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