Hamiltonians camped behind city hall told to leave

People living in tents at Hamilton City Hall have been given orders by Hamilton bylaw officers to leave their encampment off Hunter Street, well behind the city headquarters.

As many as 50 or 60 people are living in the tents including Montana-Lee Abela. Abela lives with her dog, Mylie, and has been homeless for a few years.

READ MORE: Latest data reveals 22 Hamiltonians died experiencing homelessness

Abela says, “I would like to be back home with my family I’m just too embarrassed to go back home. Like, living the way I am right now I want to clean myself up for them.”

Hamilton city bylaw officers served notices on Friday telling them to leave voluntarily. The officers didn’t say what would happen if they don’t go.

Many people living in the encampment tell CHCH News that they have nowhere else to go. Encampment resident Jammy Pierre says, “… It’s frustrating because they haven’t presented any more solutions and I don’t think that setting up a tent should be considered an act of rebellion.”

READ MORE: Hamilton city council evaluating expired encampment pilot strategy

The people who live there say they don’t know what to expect next but say the bylaw officers indicated they’d be back on Monday following the order for these people to leave. The city has forcibly removed encampments in the past, citing safety and hygiene concerns.

UPDATE: A city spokesperson told CHCH News this morning (May 8) there have been many complaints about the encampment: “The nature of complaints involve garbage, open substance use, fires, propane tanks, staff health and safety concerns and potential risk to the heritage asset,” said the statement.

“Hamilton Fire, Hamilton Paramedic Service and Hamilton Police Service have responded to calls. For example, Hamilton Fire has attended 21 times for open fires and or to remove propane tanks from the encampment.

“Housing-Focused Outreach staff and Social Navigator Program staff continue to be on site to provide internal supports as well as shelter options in real time. Since March 1, the Housing-focused Street Outreach team have attended the location an average of 4-5 times each week.”

The City of Hamilton has since declared a state of emergency over homelessness, and has asked the province for more money to help the people with no place else to live.

Some city councillors say they’re disappointed by the city’s order to clear out the tent community without providing options. Hamilton city council is due to consider a new approach to tent encampments.

CHCH will have more on this story later today.