Ontario Premier Doug Ford described homeless encampments that occupy public parks as “unacceptable” after he visited one in Barrie, where the mayor has declared a state of emergency regarding the situation.
Ford remarked that the encampment he toured over the weekend was “absolutely terrible,” adding that his government is working to assist its residents in finding shelters and suitable housing.
“These are places where people used to walk their kids in parks,” Ford stated Monday during an unrelated press conference.
“And it doesn’t matter where you are in Ontario, why should less than one per cent of the population take over a park meant for 99 per cent of those who use it? It’s unacceptable.”
Earlier this month, Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall announced a state of emergency due to concerns about homeless encampments within the city located north of Toronto, citing public safety issues.
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The announcement followed a lengthy police investigation at an encampment site that resulted in a man’s arrest for the alleged murder and dismemberment of two individuals. Nuttall expressed his worries about arson, thefts, public drug use, and overdoses connected with these encampments.
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This past June, Ford’s government passed new legislation aimed at giving police and municipalities greater power to clear encampments while increasing penalties for those caught using drugs publicly.
The provincial government also committed $75.5 million in funding for municipalities dealing with encampments; this includes $50 million specifically for affordable housing and $20 million aimed at expanding shelter capacity.
The number of homeless individuals and encampments has surged dramatically over recent years. Critics argue this increase stems from slow progress on initiatives like supportive housing development.
Skeptics have raised concerns that laws targeting encampments might only serve to penalize some of Ontario’s most vulnerable citizens.
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The Association of Municipalities of Ontario acknowledged that while there are approximately 1,400 encampments throughout the province needing attention; increased investment in housing along with health and social services is essential.
p>© 2025 The Canadian Press
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Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Nuttall expressed gratitude to Ford for visiting Barrie to witness the situation firsthand. “We had important discussions on how municipalities need more authority to enforce their own bylaws so we can maintain public spaces. We also talked about mental health issues, addiction challenges, and affordable housing,” said the mayor in a statement. More on Politics More videos Nuttall noted that addressing this local state of emergency requires coordination among all levels of government. “It is reassuring to know that the province is at the table.” Trending Now
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This past June, Ford’s government passed new legislation aimed at giving police and municipalities greater power to clear encampments while increasing penalties for those caught using drugs publicly.
The provincial government also committed $75.5 million in funding for municipalities dealing with encampments; this includes $50 million specifically for affordable housing and $20 million aimed at expanding shelter capacity.
The number of homeless individuals and encampments has surged dramatically over recent years. Critics argue this increase stems from slow progress on initiatives like supportive housing development.
Skeptics have raised concerns that laws targeting encampments might only serve to penalize some of Ontario’s most vulnerable citizens.
Story continues below
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario acknowledged that while there are approximately 1,400 encampments throughout the province needing attention; increased investment in housing along with health and social services is essential.
p>© 2025 The Canadian Press Source link
