Homeless encampments can now be removed from public spaces throughout Mississauga
The City of Mississauga now has the ability to remove homeless encampments from most public spaces, following the creation of a list of “no encampment zones” that Peel Region has announced.
The areas where the removal of encampments can now occur includes playgrounds, sports fields, dog parks, schoolyards, municipal gathering spaces, community gardens and public transit spaces.
The list also bans encampments in construction sites, near critical infrastructure and on floodplains and significantly sloped terrain.
This development comes as part of Peel’s new Coordinated Encampment Response, which has emerged in response to the passing of the Ontario government’s Safer Municipalities Act. The Act gives municipalities the power to clear out homeless encampments, which is something that some big city mayors had been vocal in supporting. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown was a strong advocate of introducing these measures.
The City of Mississauga says that now the “removal and enforcement [of encampments] can be expedited because of significant health and safety concerns that cannot be mitigated.” Although they add: “The preferred approach is for residents living in encampments to leave or relocate voluntarily, with enforcement being a last resort.”
The City also says they are “committing to Peel’s “do not turn away” policy in the emergency shelter system to encourage residents living in encampments in Peel to accept appropriate shelter and supports.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Do you support the introduction of “no encampment zones”? We want to hear from you. Send your thoughts to info@mpulse.ca and we may print your comments in an upcoming issue.
