Supporting vulnerable residents while maintaining safe access to public spaces

In a Special Meeting of Council on May 12, it was resolved “that the current plans for eviction of those camping in public spaces be postponed until there is a clear alternative, to find a more permanent and safe housing option for these campers, to be shared with Council by end of Q3 2022”.

At this meeting Staff were also directed to identify the following:

1. A suitable location, in Belle Park & in close walking distance to the Integrated Care Hub (ICH), that could allow for a six-month pilot of a temporary encampment of sufficient size for enough campsites for those seeking this type of temporary shelter and what temporary low-cost facilities are needed there.
2. A set of very simple regulations to be posted at the perimeter of this identified area, that are reasonable, and allow for the safe & tidy use of this area for all. These are to be followed, in exchange for the use of the land.
3. Which municipal By-Laws need to be waived by Council to allow the non-conforming use of parkland for this purpose.

And to report back to Council with recommendations on:

1. Workable encampment location(s) and an estimate of the number of tents that could be accommodated.
2. Suggestions and details to satisfy items #1 to #3 above.
3. Budget considerations for basic services, signage, perimeter markings, and any other related costs needed to satisfy the above, including sources of any funding that may be available.

This report back will be presented to Council in late June at which time the ongoing Encampment Protocol pause will also be discussed.