As preparations for the FIFA World Cup intensify in Toronto, residents experiencing homelessness near Union Station claim they are facing increased pressure to vacate the area, often through forceful means. Union Station, a central transit hub, is expected to be inundated with thousands of soccer fans starting next month, raising concerns among vulnerable populations residing nearby.
The Toronto Underhoused and Homeless Union (TUHU) has voiced strong objections to what they describe as a pattern of displacement targeting the city's most vulnerable residents as Toronto gears up for the influx of visitors. Andrew, who has identified as underhoused since the previous fall, has noted alarming behavior from private security personnel at Union Station. He emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding in addressing homelessness, stating, "This is an issue that requires patience. This is not an issue where you can just corral and push out of the building."
Angie Hocking, an advocate with TUHU, has called for accountability from the city, declaring, "It’s time to give the city the red card for allowing this behavior which is disgusting, discriminatory, and goes against basic human rights." TUHU recently gathered at Berczy Park, located near Union Station, where they reported having interviewed 45 individuals experiencing homelessness over the past six weeks.
According to their findings, approximately 90 percent of those surveyed reported encountering or witnessing violence from security personnel. Christopher, who shared his harrowing experience of an overdose at Union Station, reflected on the treatment of homeless individuals. "I actually overdosed myself at Union recently. Had I not been there, I would be dead right now. We try to be discreet, we try to be polite, and none of us are going to hurt you, so I don’t know why they have to hurt us," he explained.
These accounts highlight a troubling trend of intimidation and displacement among vulnerable residents as the city rushes to prepare for the World Cup. David Roberts, a professor of urban studies at the University of Toronto, pointed out that the city has not made sufficient investments in improving the conditions for its homeless population despite the impending global event. "Unfortunately, what we’re seeing is a rush job," he remarked during the TUHU event.
TUHU has outlined specific demands for the city, including the establishment of immediate 24/7 respite spaces in the lead-up to and during the World Cup. They are also advocating for the cancellation of security contracts in favor of harm reduction workers and outreach teams to mitigate further conflict.
In response to these concerns, CityNews reached out to Toronto police, who indicated that the security operations and policies at Union Station are managed primarily by the city. The City of Toronto stated that a pilot program launched in April, in collaboration with Metrolinx, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), and various partners, aims to improve coordination among outreach, health, housing, and crisis-response teams. The city emphasized that this initiative is intended to connect vulnerable individuals with essential services such as shelter, healthcare, and mental health support through an approach focused on care, de-escalation, and voluntary service access.
Furthermore, the Human Rights Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet this Friday at City Hall, where members of the Toronto Underhoused and Homeless Union intend to present their report and advocate for the necessary actions to address these pressing issues surrounding homelessness in the city.
