Homeless encampments broken-up in Cambridge and Guelph
Posted Nov 13, 2024 02:39:46 PM.
Last Updated Nov 14, 2024 10:24:28 AM.
It appears as though the break-up of a pair of homeless encampments this week went ahead with little resistance.
Both Guelph and Cambridge invoked eviction notices, forcing those living at the sites to move on.
In Cambridge, the encampment was located at 415 Dundas St. N. It’s an empty lot, next to the rail corridor and the Dundas Street overpass.
It had been the subject of several safety complaints regarding fires. Sometimes, there are railcars in that same area containing dangerous materials like petroleum, the city said in a press release, which only added to the safety concerns.
“We had troubles,” said Russell Downie, a former resident of the Dundas Street encampment. “They burnt trailers down, and trucks, and fighting. They kind of did it to themselves. It’s been very bad.”
The municipality said notices to remove any temporary structures were handed out on Sept. 16 and Oct. 22. The deadline to remove items was Nov. 12.
Work to remove any remaining structures or items left behind will continue throughout the week.
“We remain committed to working with our partners to pursue long-term solutions to the community’s housing challenges,” John Mattocks, Manager of Municipal By-law Compliance, City of Cambridge, said in the release. “Our collective response requires ongoing support and compassion from our entire community, with the understanding that connecting people with the wide range of person-centred options and services takes time and care.”
Meantime, the City of Guelph continues to enforce its new Public Space Use bylaw. The regulations came into effect Oct. 1, prohibiting encampments in certain areas of the city while identifying areas where they could be set up.
This latest action focused on an encampment in St. George’s Square in downtown Guelph. In a press release, the city said the majority of the individuals living there had moved on and workers would be removing any items left behind beginning Nov. 13.
Shane Popp is one of the people displaced from St. George’s Square. He told 570 NewsRadio his story is pretty common among many people who now find themselves unhoused.
“The only reason we all come here is because none of us can afford $1,000, $1,500 for a room.” He went on to say that he’s been forced to move several times, “I went to Lion’s Park where the officers told me to go to. I built a place down there but a week later by-law came and tore it down, and that’s where by-law told me to go.”
He adds, “The problem is there’s nowhere to go. There’s no help from anybody.”
Downie said he experiences the same issues in Cambridge.
“I don’t know enough people in town to share the rent,” said Downie. “It’s so expensive. Why can’t they just clean this up and let us build mini houses?”
The press release from the City said: “Our Bylaw staff along with social service partners are actively assisting any individuals who remain there at this time and are dialoguing with any impacted individuals to ensure they are informed of available supports and where they could relocate to.”
Popp said he was at the now former encampment site today for an important reason.
“I just wanted to be seen, you know what I mean? I just wanted someone to help.”
Mayors in cities right across the province have been petitioning the Ford government for more funding to address homelessness and the housing shortage, saying the issue is too big for municipalities to address alone.
