The Integrated Care Hub and the encampment area surrounding it have been cordoned off with metal fencing since a double homicide occurred in the area on Thursday, Sep. 12, 2024. Photo by Cris Vilela/The Kingstonist
Rumours spread widely on the morning of Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024 that a construction company had been engaged by the City of Kingston to bulldoze and clear the encampment at the Integrated Care Hub (ICH) on Montreal Street following a fatal violent incident – claims which, Kingston Police maintain, are false.
“The Kingston Police have become aware of information being circulated online and by word of mouth indicating there is a plan to clear and/or ‘bulldoze’ the encampment site located on the grounds behind the Integrated Care Hub later today,” Kingston Police said in a written statement.
“This information is incorrect,” Kingston Police asserted, maintaining that officers remain on scene to investigate the double homicide that occurred in the area. “The police presence in this area is to preserve crime scene integrity and collect evidence,” police continued. “Police are asking individuals to remain away from the area of the crime scene, and to not obstruct the Kingston Police with their investigation.”
Attendees at a vigil and protest at the site of the ICH on the afternoon of Friday, Sep. 14, 2024. Photo via Michele Dorey-Forestell/The Kingstonist
Attendees at a vigil held on Friday afternoon had expressed worries that, following Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson’s calls for a permanent closure of the ICH, clearing of the encampment would occur without further community discussion or notice.
Homelessness activists and advocates for encampment residents maintained a presence near the site for much of the weekend, hoping to prevent the alleged forced permanent evictions.
Attendees at a vigil and protest at the site of the ICH on the afternoon of Friday, Sep. 14, 2024. Photo via Michele Dorey-Forestell/The Kingstonist
“The only people entering ICH and the encampment after the police leave must be ICH staff and the residents of the encampment,” activist group Katarokwi Union of Tenants said in an online post. “Hopefully, this will only take a day or two but it could take longer.”
Neither Kingston Police nor the City of Kingston have given a firm timeline on when they expect the police investigation to be completed, but given the nature of the incident, “significant resources” will be needed, said Kingston Police Media Relations Officer Anthony Colangeli. “[It will take] as long as it takes,” Colangeli said. “Obviously something like this we want to try and expedite.”
In November of 2023, Ontario Superior Court Justice Ian Carter denied the City of Kingston’s application to clear the encampment and declared that the City’s ban on overnight camping was unconstitutional.
