Photo credit: CBC
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his government is introducing a suite of measures to help municipalities “address and dismantle” homeless encampments around the province, including steep fines for people who use drugs.
CP24 reports that the measures, which are being introduced under the Safer Municipalities Act and Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act, will include fines of up to $10,000 and up to six months in prison for people who repeatedly use illegal drugs in parks and public spaces, according to Ford.
He said, “These encampments are taking over public spaces, with illegal drug use happening out in the open, creating huge safety risks for people and communities. Enough is enough. This has to stop, and it will stop.”
He said the province will amend the Trespass to Property Act to “enhance penalties for people deliberately and repeatedly breaking the law. “
Ford said the new tools would allow police to direct individuals to stop using illegal drugs or to leave public spaces. They could be issued a ticket or arrested if they don’t comply.
According to the province, around 3,300 people live in about 1,000 encampments around Ontario.
Advocates for the unhoused have said forcibly removing encampment residents is like criminalizing homelessness and is unfair, given that most municipal shelters are already overflowing and don’t have sufficient space.
In contrast, some community groups have called on local and provincial officials to remove the encampments, citing frequent safety concerns around drug use, fires, altercations, and the loss of public space.
The government said Thursday it will also invest $75.5 million more in homelessness prevention and offer encampment residents access to “reasonable alternative accommodation.”
