In Stanley G. Grizzle Park, located across from the Main Street TTC station, a persistent encampment comprising several tents has re-emerged despite previous clearances and the presence of no camping signs. Patrick, a resident of the encampment for several months, has declined offers from the city for shelter placements due to negative experiences associated with such facilities.
As Toronto City Council reconvenes next week, Beaches East York councillor and mayoral candidate Brad Bradford is set to propose a motion aimed at expediting the clearing of encampments near city parks. Bradford emphasizes that no encampments should exist within 200 meters of playgrounds, daycares, or schools. His motion seeks a commitment to prioritizing the removal of encampments within a 48-hour timeframe following reports from the public.
Bradford highlighted that while the encampment was previously cleared on July 17, it reappeared on September 2 and has since persisted. He expresses concern about the implications of such encampments for community safety, stating, “We can’t let a handful of tents, predatory drug dealers, some of the behaviour that we see in these encampment sites, cut off our parks.”
Local residents have echoed concerns about drug-related issues in the vicinity, with Doug Smith reporting that needles are frequently found in playgrounds. Frank Haas adds, “No one is allowed to remove them. They openly do drugs there, they openly sell drugs there.” Patrick, however, acknowledges the presence of drug users but asserts, “It’s not us.”
Homeless advocates have criticized Bradford's proposed plan. Diana Chan McNally from the Housing Rights Advisory Committee argues, “This is a very bad idea; we have protocols that offer support first. Now, we’re building in a loophole and profiling people, not because of behaviours, not because of so-called criminality, but just their proximity to children and suggesting that they are a danger to children simply by existing as a homeless person.”
Bradford contends that under Mayor Olivia Chow’s leadership, encampments have continued to proliferate throughout the city. He claims that the current approach directs resources primarily to the largest encampments, neglecting numerous smaller ones still in existence.
In response, Mayor Olivia Chow asserts that progress is being made in terms of addressing the encampment situation. “We are clearing encampments, we are bringing people indoors. We’ve brought in 1,000 homeless people into shelters. Since I’ve been mayor, it’s been like 4,000 people moved inside,” she reported.
Patrick, in the midst of discussing his situation, expresses that better living options would aid him in vacating his tent, stating, “We prefer hotels or housing.”
However, the mayor’s office has expressed concerns regarding Bradford's proposed 48-hour timeline for clearing encampments. They argue it could present challenges because the involvement of police and fire departments can complicate the process, and continuous outreach efforts mean that resolution can take time—an issue that may not appease those residing near the encampments.
