Camping in public spaces/encampments
Our encampment procedure sets clear guidelines for City staff and our partners in supporting people experiencing homelessness. Our goal is to help people find safer and healthier options for housing and direct them toward support services. We know that each person is different, so we will look at each case individually to support people based on their unique needs.
Enforcement of daytime sheltering prohibition
The City, with support from community partners, will have begun applying the Parks Use Bylaw.
To facilitate this change, municipal and agency support staff are proactively communicating the upcoming change to people staying in public parks. City staff, partnering with Street Outreach workers, are on site and actively engaging with people staying in parks, informing individuals of options and receiving feedback on how the enforcement of the bylaw will affect them. People who are staying in parks are being offered support services, indoor spaces in which to shelter, transportation and storage options for their belongings. Daytime storage options for shelters and belongings and drop-in services are expanding to support those transitioning out of the area during the day.
We remain committed to finding safe, supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness.
Encampment protocol procedures
We will use these procedures when we find tents or structures in public places where camping is not allowed, and on private properties.