Londons parkland now off limits to homeless encampments [Video]

Londoners experiencing homelessness must now navigate a more complex and restrictive set of rules about where they can set up a tent or make-shift shelter.

During Tuesday’s council meeting, city staff revealed the potential impact of council’s decision to increase setback distances in the new Community Encampment Response Plan (CERP).

“At first glance, it looks like the council parameters that have been recommended would essentially render between 80 per cent and 85 per cent of park space as unusable for potential encampments,” Deputy City Manager of Social and Health Development Kevin Dickins told council.

Initially, frontline agencies and stakeholders participating in the Whole of Community Response to Homelessness recommended minimum setback distances (from sensitive land uses) based on a recent decision by the City of Hamilton.

Locations proposed setbacks suggested encampments not be permitted

• within 50 metres of elementary schools, daycares, pools, or playgrounds
• within 10 metres of private property lines
• within 5 metres of a sports field

However, council voted in favour of extending those setback distances based on community feedback …