Folks residing in an encampment in Guelph have been advised they’ve two weeks to pack up and get out.
Eviction notices have been taped to tents and constructions arrange in St. George’s Sq. as the town begins imposing a brand new bylaw handed by council final month. Residents residing within the encampment have till Nov. 13 to depart.
Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie stated that is the following section in a plan to make the house accessible for the entire neighborhood.
“Since Oct. 1, we’ve been working with these individuals as best as we can to try to give them the proper supports that they need to not have the structures there,” Guthrie stated.
Guelph’s new Public Area Bylaw got here into impact in the beginning of this month after it gained council’s approval on Sept. 10. Town says the bylaw goals to “achieve a balance that allows for spaces owned or operated by the city to be accessed and enjoyed by all residents for their intended community purposes.”
The bylaw outlines sure areas the place non permanent constructions, resembling encampments, may be arrange and specifies some circumstances for a way lengthy these constructions can stay.
Nevertheless, the town’s enforcement technique shouldn’t be sitting nicely with some residents, together with some individuals who have been formally unhoused.
“These people deserve housing. These people deserve equity,” resident Sarah Grace stated.
“It doesn’t have to be this way. We’re supposed to be taking care of each other,” Grace added.
Guthrie stated the town has been making an attempt to work with residents of the St. George’s Sq. encampment to seek out lodging elsewhere.
“I have been told that every single person there has been offered actual shelter, an actual unit where they can go,” Guthrie stated. “Unfortunately, sometimes for certain reasons, individuals refused that.”
Town stated the eviction notices are half of a bigger plan to revitalize the downtown core.
“Public spaces are for everyone,” Guthrie stated. “They should be safe and welcoming for everyone and structures that impede the movement of everyone else in the public space and that could cause other problems is not in public order in communities that should be basically allowed, in my point of view,” he added.
What’s subsequent?
At this level, there appears to be no concrete plan for what comes subsequent if residents refuse to depart.
Guthrie advised the following section of enforcement must be mentioned after Nov. 13.
It isn’t clear if the town would go in and take away any remaining constructions at the moment.
has reached out to Wellington County Well being Providers who help the unhoused inhabitants in Guelph.
