“There continue to be confrontation and discussion with a smaller group. So, you know, it’s almost two steps forward, one step back,” Manak said. The funding would continue the deployment of two officers for four hours every day to support bylaw officers in some city parks. Two officers have supported city bylaw staff since September 2020, and council approved continued funding until the end of April, when it was anticipated police support would no longer be needed as 24/7 sheltering came to an end, Manak said in a letter to council requesting an indefinite continuation of the funding. “Unfortunately, the situation in many of the parks has remained extremely volatile and unsafe for bylaw officers and our Patrol Division and Community Services Division resources continue to be shortstaffed resulting in on-duty resources not being a viable option,” Manak wrote.