Title
STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATES
ENCAMPMENTS
The memorandum from M. Prowse, Chief Administrative Officer dated August 13, 2025 regarding the Homeless Encampment near Anne and John Streets was circulated to members of Committee and Council.
Members of Committee and Council asked the following questions:
1. Councillor, C. Riepma asked if the lands in question are owned by the City and if there is an estimated cost for the clean-up.
Mayor Nuttall confirmed that the lands are in the possession of the City. M. Prowse, Chief Administrative Officer advised that there is no current estimate on clean-up costs and staff are not sure what funding may be available through the Province to assist.
2. Councillor, B. Hamilton questioned how the City can prevent a similar situation from happening in the future, why it was able to continue for so long and the City's role moving forward.
M. Prowse advised that the City was aware of the situation and that when dealing with encampments there is legislation and rules of the Courts that must be followed. The City needed to first ensure adequate housing is available through the City's service manager, the County of Simcoe, to accommodate the people living there. M. Prowse advised that this situation was different as it was subject to a police investigation and the City was served with a search warrant, the site was closed off and anyone residing there was asked to vacate the premises.
The County was able to resource adequate accommodation for the individuals in the encampment and to date we have about 6 individuals who have accepted the housing that is available being a handful at Tiffen and zero as Sperling. The reality is that the unhoused are not able or willing to move. The remainder have migrated and not availed themselves of the housing supports made available.
M. Prowse confirmed that the Health Unit was contacted but did not attend the site and that the Ministry of the Environment attended the site and advised that it wa...
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