Encampment Response Pilot Project

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Encampment Engagment Graphic with Icons of tent, medical cross, shaking hands and support.

Supporting residents that are unhoused while maintaining open 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”.

As directed by Council, and working with community partners, the City has explored numerous options and locations throughout the city that could provide a defined, supported and safe place for individuals to choose to camp outdoors. To provide necessary access to services, meet health and safety requirements and many other factors, the list of viable locations for this service narrowed significantly. As directed by Council location(s) near the Integrated Care Hub and Belle Park are being considered.

An additional location is being considered for another area of the City given feedback heard through consultation with unhoused residents and other services partners. This location is still to be determined and the public will be updated on its potential location as soon as possible.

We want to share our plans with you moving forward and collect your thoughts about critical areas of the project. As neighbours and community partners, we would like your feedback at this critical planning stage of the project and we're looking for feedback in areas such as:

  • Amenities/ low-cost facilities to be considered
  • Simple regulations to be followed in exchange for use of the land

How to provide your feedback

If you wish to follow along, the meeting will be closed captioned and live-streamed on the City of Kingston You Tube Channel.

  • Offer comments and ideas using the feedback form below. If you would like a paper copy of the form, please call 613-546-0000. We will send you a form with a postage paid envelope to return it to us.
  • Send an email to housing@cityofkingston.ca
  • Phone us at 613-546-2695 Ext: 4875

Encampment Engagment Graphic with Icons of tent, medical cross, shaking hands and support.

Supporting residents that are unhoused while maintaining open 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”.

As directed by Council, and working with community partners, the City has explored numerous options and locations throughout the city that could provide a defined, supported and safe place for individuals to choose to camp outdoors. To provide necessary access to services, meet health and safety requirements and many other factors, the list of viable locations for this service narrowed significantly. As directed by Council location(s) near the Integrated Care Hub and Belle Park are being considered.

An additional location is being considered for another area of the City given feedback heard through consultation with unhoused residents and other services partners. This location is still to be determined and the public will be updated on its potential location as soon as possible.

We want to share our plans with you moving forward and collect your thoughts about critical areas of the project. As neighbours and community partners, we would like your feedback at this critical planning stage of the project and we're looking for feedback in areas such as:

  • Amenities/ low-cost facilities to be considered
  • Simple regulations to be followed in exchange for use of the land

How to provide your feedback

If you wish to follow along, the meeting will be closed captioned and live-streamed on the City of Kingston You Tube Channel.

  • Offer comments and ideas using the feedback form below. If you would like a paper copy of the form, please call 613-546-0000. We will send you a form with a postage paid envelope to return it to us.
  • Send an email to housing@cityofkingston.ca
  • Phone us at 613-546-2695 Ext: 4875

  • Encampment Response Background

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    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.