Last month, in collaboration with internal and external partners, the City led relocation efforts of encampments in four parks along the Etobicoke Creek Trail that are in a floodplain. Currently, there are 2 active encampments in this area, and work continues to support these individuals.
Security Services continues to patrol this area and has successfully halted individuals who were trying to set up camp on three instances, and their notable presence has helped deter individuals from setting up. Currently, the area is being patrolled by Security Services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with the shifts being divided from 7 AM to 7 PM and 7 PM to 7 AM. The trail from Williams Parkway to Church Street is patrolled every 30 minutes.
Furthermore, trees and bushes are periodically pruned to improve sight lines. The sidewalk on Calvertdale Road adjacent to the park is scheduled for more maintenance work today. The boulevard on Calvertdale Road closest to the homes will have new trees planted to support city-wide initiatives and neighborhood beautification. The area of the park closest to Calvertdale Road is scheduled for pruning early next week.
Brampton City Councilor Rowena Santos helped pass a motion on July 10, 2024, directing staff to share information pertaining to the costs and efforts the City has undertaken in dealing with encampments and further advocating to the federal and provincial government for increased affordable and supportive housing, and other social service supports to address the root causes of chronic homelessness.
July 10, 2024 City Council Meeting
In addition to this, on July 11, 2024, Councillor Santos, who advocated for action on the matter, received an update on the Encampment Policy Framework. You can find the report here. Furthermore, a motion was passed at Regional Council to better advocate for resources and supports that could help end chronic homelessness, better track data around encampments, and ensure that residents are given more opportunities to provide feedback into the Region of Peel’s proposed encampment protocol.
Delegation from Ted Brown, CEO, Regeneration Outreach Community re. Request for Support in Search for a Permanent Location
Throughout the week there have been several questions, you will find answers above and summarized below:
- City is working collaboratively with internal and external partners to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with appropriate wraparound services to transition into appropriate housing options.
- City is working collaboratively with all partners to identify and address any public safety concerns that are specific to an encampment site.
- City’s Security Services is proactively patrolling to deter the setup of encampments in high-risk zones.
- Region of Peel is working with all stakeholders to develop an Encampment Policy Framework and Protocols.
- The City’s Parks team is improving sight lines.
- City’s Security Services is proactively patrolling to deter the setup of encampments.
- Installation of multiple signs stating Parklands By-law.
- Individuals that have received a trespass notice have not re-entered the four areas within Etobicoke Creek Trail (i.e. Calvert Park, Tara Park, Duggan Park, and Ken Whillans Park).
- Individuals are permitted to utilize the park between the hours of 11 PM-7 AM as outlined in the Parklands By-law 161-83.
- The area is being patrolled by Security Services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with the shifts being divided from 7 AM to 7 PM and 7 PM to 7 AM. The trail from Williams Parkway to Church Street is patrolled every 30 minutes.
How often is Peel Outreach visiting the encampments along the Etobicoke Creek Trail?
Data from July 1 to July 7
Where are the new encampments?
Peel shelters are operating at over 400 per cent capacity. In the meantime, Brampton’s Security Services, Fire, as well Peel Regional Police and Peel Outreach Services continue to visit encampment sites regularly to ensure the sites are as safe as possible, to offer help to individuals and to remind them that the sites are being monitored for the safety and well-being of all.
If you are aware of a new encampment in your area, please contact Service Brampton by calling 3-1-1. Service Brampton will request Security Services to visit the site to determine if it is active, identify potential hazards, and connect the individuals to the Region of Peel’s Outreach Services. You can also call the Street Helpline (1-877-878-8481) to inform Peel Outreach. The helpline operates 24/7 and is a resource that offers wraparound services for unhoused individuals or people at risk of homelessness.
