Moccasin Flats has always been part of his neighbourhood, said one resident who has lived in the Millar Addition of Prince George since summer of 2021.
Zac Whalen works from home with his three dogs to keep him company.
What seems to be top-of-mind for him is the smell of burning.
“The smell – generally people are just heating their places but the problem with the smell is sometimes tarps catch on fire,” Whalen said. “So there have been some events where it’s been uncontrolled fires but I also understand the need to stay warm and it’s a very challenging position.”
Whalen said he believes there’s a misconception of the danger that comes with living in close proximity of the encampment for the unhoused of Prince George located on Lower Patricia Boulevard in downtown Prince George.
“I’ve lived here for two years and I have security and I’ve never seen anyone come up the driveway, I’ve never seen anyone test the door handles, so I don’t know if it’s just the proximity but I think people feel it’s less secure than what I have been experiencing,” Whalen said.
“I’ve been maybe fortunate or maybe it’s just not as unsafe as people say. There might be one bad story and that’s what catches on. In terms of actually feeling unsafe or people loitering on my property, I haven’t experienced that. There’s generally some loitering along the boulevard but then bylaw (services) comes along and ushers people along.”
Whalen said he sees much worse along the retail streets of downtown.
“I try to be fair because this is a very challenging situation for everybody,” Whalen said. “And the only thing I’ve really noticed is what you smell – a tarp or tent burning.”
