Holland College President concerned about harassment from the campers at tent city

By, Tony Doyle Sept. 24, 2022

The President of Holland College is worried about the safety of his staff and students due to a homeless tent encampment near the Grafton Street Holland College parking lot.

"Some staff and students have been harassed so campers can use their phones, and others found trespassing into the student's residence and buildings on the college campus,” said Dr. Alexander “Sandy” Macdonald.

Dirty needles have been found on the ground, there have been complaints about the use of illicit drugs on school property. Garbage and waste is accumulating which is also cause for concern, he said.

The tent encampment began two months ago and has grown from two tents to now more than a dozen over the summer.

Accommodations manager of holland College residence has noticed multiple people from the camp plugging in phones and electronic devices into outlets located around the exterior of residence building.

Several of the tents located in the Holland College parking lot. (Tony Doyle, Photo)

“One of the campers was found in the lobby talking to a student during the first move in day of school,” said Marshall Thomson.

“The school is taking steps to make sure staff and students feel safe such as hiring security on patrol near the encampment,” said Macdonald.

The school is looking for a solution to move people from the encampment.

" The virus has shown us that not everyone has a place to go.” said Macdonald.

Macdonald is working with the municipal and provincial governments to setup temporary mobile units for people occupying the encampment, which are expected any day.

“The plan has been initiated in a matter of days not weeks,” said Macdonald.

The P.E.I. Department of Social Development and Housing also said, there is an operation team in place and things are still being finalized.’

Dr. Alexander “Sandy” Macdonald outside of Holland College (Photo by, Holland College)

No one from the city of Charlottetown could be reached for comment.