Welland asks Ontario to use notwithstanding clause to help with encampments

Welland’s mayor has joined other mayors across the province asking for the government to use the notwithstanding clause to deal with encampments.

The request would allow Welland to pass temporary bylaws focused on enhancing public safety while also supporting those experiencing homelessness.

Welland has been working with regional parents in Niagara to offer services and expand shelters, but Mayor Frank Campion believes more can be done with provincial support.

“We’re trying to get people into permenant housing, and we also have to deal with the needs and requirements of the entire community. It’s about protecting the people in the encampments as well as addressing the issues from residents,” Campion told CHCH News.

The Welland mayor says that the plan isn’t to “bulldoze” the encampments, but to move them to safer locations before an incident occurs.

“Although we have worked diligently with regional and community partners to address this growing challenge, we have reached a critical point where more needs to be done.”

Twelve mayors – including Mat Simcoe of St. Catharines – have sent a letter to the Ontario government asking for tougher laws to address encampments, homelessness and addiction.

Toronto’s mayor Olivia Chow and Hamilton’s Andrea Horwath have not signed the letter.

WATCH MORE: Councillors postpone vote on banning encampments in Hamilton parks until next year