Ford defends homelessness strategy amid Hamilton encampment crisis

Premier Doug Ford was in Hamilton today, where he was asked about the ongoing issue of encampments, both in the city and across Ontario.

The premier was questioned on why municipalities and local taxpayers are primarily responsible for addressing encampments.

In response, Ford pointed to his government’s investment of over $700 million in homelessness initiatives, including $28 million provided to Hamilton two years ago. He also reiterated his support for municipalities in removing encampments from public parks.

Premier Doug Ford said, “I’m here to support the towns and cities that want to remove encampments. Guelph and Cambridge did it, and they had places for people to go.”

When asked whether he would invoke the Notwithstanding clause of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to override a recent court ruling and allow cities to remove encampments, Ford responded, “We received support from 12 of 15 mayors across the province to move forward. Let’s see what happens. We will always stand by Guelph and Cambridge. If they face legal challenges, the province will be right there with them, supporting them in court.”

Hamilton City Council voted against asking the government to invoke the Notwithstanding clause to address encampments in public spaces.

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath said, “”Even if it were to be used, it doesn’t build any affordable housing. It doesn’t provide any services, as far as health or addiction services. It’s not the answer. It’s not a silver bullet, and there are implications for people’s Charter rights.”

The mayor said the city is working on an encampment plan, including a “tiny home” shelter project on Tiffany Street near Barton.

“We are putting the outdoor temporary shelter complex together. That will help us move people to those locations and bring those parks back to green spaces where people feel safe to utilize them,” she added.

The City of Hamilton now says the temporary shelter on Tiffany Street will open next month, on Friday, December 20.

The City of Hamilton reports that over 1,500 people are homeless, with over 300 living in encampments.

The mayor also said that the $28 million the city received two years ago from the province to help fight homelessness is no longer sufficient. She says the need has grown.