Dingeman van Bochove, like anyone in Yellowknife, has a story to tell. That includes the story of the wooden platform that he and other residents helped construct last month for homeless people and have since disassembled.
"The idea, at first, was to build a full-size cabin," he explained. "And the initial phase was just to get the foundation done SA国际影视传媒� and then the users were happy enough with the way it was, just as a platform."
That platform popped up across the street from the Niven Gate sign on 48 Street in mid-June. Its existence was short-lived. It was taken down about a month later, and transformed into two smaller decks in a nearby location for homeless people to use, said van Bochove.
It was 16-by-16 feet before being taken apart, a process that only took an hour or so, said van Bochove. The smaller platforms are 8-by-10 feet to accommodate a smaller tent, he explained. It's also in a bit more of a secluded spot, though still on the same rock.
According to Toyeke Adedipe, a senior communications officer in the GNWT, territorial government staff were not not involved in removing the platform. Van Bochove can attest to that.
"We all thought it was a good idea to move it," he said. "I figured altogether, for the longevity and for the future of the project, the idea is to make a gathering space for ceremonies."
Van Bochove mentioned some users want a space for arts and crafts and moose-hide tanning.
"I think it was a good idea to take away the argument that it could hinder the people in Niven," van Bochove added. "So it's not on the government to make that decision, we're just better set up now for the future."
The existing location of the platforms is a rather messy place, according to van Bochove. Before he goes ahead with any more work, he and some others will gather with an Indigenous Elder for a blessing ceremony prior to cleaning up the area, he said.
On July 4th, when Department of Environment and Climate Change officials met with Georgina Franki and other parties involved in building the platform, the parties committed to addressing waste at the platform site.
No matter what land any of van Bochove's projects go on, there is a process of applying for and acquiring tenure, according to the GNWT. Van Bochove, however, thinks it's impossible to get permission from the GNWT.
'We're now gathering the support of the [Yellowknives Dene] First Nation government," he said. "They have more of a claim to that land than, I would say, the City of Yellowknife or the GNWT."
Van Bochove said the families that live on the rocky area where he built those platforms are quite happy with what they got. He added that one of the homeless people living there is expected to start working with his company, Summit Roofing, as a casual next week.
"One of them called me last night at 11:30," he said, noting the man was quite happy. "He was like, 'I want to work, I want to take care of my wife.'
"I think housing is one of the basic things, and if you're able to elevate that to living instead of survival, I think that [platform] project showed that works."
