Hamilton council to discuss idea to allow tents in encampment zones

Hamilton city council is set to discuss Wednesday a proposal to create sanctioned encampment locations where people experiencing homelessness would be allowed to live in tents.

The idea came about following sessions focused on handling the homeless population across the city and providing services and support.

There would be rules in the encampment zones, including a maximum area for five tents no more than 45 square metres and a three-by-three-metre space for individual tents.

Additionally, tents would not be authorized to be set up within 50 metres of a school, another encampment or public spaces such as playgrounds and child-care facilities.

READ MORE: Hamilton city hall encampments problematic, but won’t be forcibly shut down: mayor

The idea would also not allow tents to be at beaches, cemeteries, sports fields or on the grounds of a civic museum or heritage facility.

Tents would have to be at least five metres from any private property line as well.

Staff would be directed to work with stakeholders to address washrooms, showers and access to drinking water, as well as integration of peer and Indigenous supports into encampment response.

Councillors are scheduled to review the proposal at 9:30 a.m., but some have shared their disapproval of it on social media.

I’m skeptical sanctioned encampments are feasible for #HamOnt

A site for tiny shelters couldn’t be identified – what chance is there for agreement on encampments?

In reality, residents will not accept drug use, trash & disruption in their neighbourhoods.https://t.co/lCQFjiI9ep

— John-Paul Danko (@JohnPaulDanko) May 14, 2023