Encampment debate intensifies after firearm pieces found in Delta Park tent fire

Hamilton police found what appears to be a piece of a firearm in the debris of a tent that caught fire at Delta Park. This discovery comes as municipalities call for a provincial plan to address homelessness and encampments.

Emergency crews responded to a call about a fire in a tent at an encampment in Delta Park, near King and Main Streets. The incident occurred around 7 a.m., and no one was inside the tent.

Police say officers found the barrel of a shotgun in the tent debris.

Residents in the area describe the people staying at the encampment as friendly.

Ward 5 Councillor Matt Francis said, “The residents of Hamilton and the residents of my ward are demanding that they give us our parks back, remove drugs and crime from our parks, and return them for safe use by families and children.”

This comes amid ongoing discussions about encampments in Hamilton and across the province. Last Thursday, 13 mayors across Ontario asked Premier Doug Ford to clear homeless encampments.

While Mayor Andrea Horwath was not part of this group, Councillor Francis says he plans to bring a notice of motion to the council meeting next week.

Francis stated, “The Premier has put this out there—that this tool is available and he’s willing to use it. Our mayor has not done that, so I’m bringing a motion that would ask the council to support it.”

In a repost on X, Ward 2 Councillor Cameron Kroetsch said, “I’m glad Mayor Andrea Horwath did not sign on.” He added that he’s not surprised Councillor Francis is bringing a notice of motion and hopes “council votes it down.”

Francis says he fears that if the city doesn’t make this request, homelessness in Hamilton will become even more widespread.

An earlier story indicated the fire department provided information on the weapon, however, it was police who provided this information.