Pictured below is a homeless encampment in downtown Hamilton. At what point would local authorities remove such encampments? Why are they allowed to be established in the first place?
Many encampments in Hamilton, London and Toronto have been removed since 2020 but the questions asked need to be answered. Homelessness is certainly a national and provincial problem, and local authorities have done much to diminish its political influence, but our politicians seem to lack the ability or determination to solve this problem.
In Toronto, authorities actually provided tents and supplies to these individuals who refused to leave their encampments and the numbers of people and structures grew. These people, claiming to be homeless, demanded to negotiate with the authorities, encamped in a performance like a protest fashion. To hell with the legal community that lives within the reach of these parks. Garbage, noise and illegal actions happen within these pop-up communities. People who have little may very well commit crimes to survive. The local community is the victim here.
As long as affordable housing is not a declared legal right, this problem will continually grow. I feel for these individuals, and those who attempt to assist them also, but carrying out illegal actions such as they do must be stopped. Imposing their perceived rights over the legal rights of the community is not acceptable. Neither is the public authorities’ inability to find solutions to this problem. These are people with little possessions or non at all, looking for a safe place to live. The public authorities create the illusion of caring for these people, only to persecute them in time, sending in the police to disperse and push out these interlopers.
The rights of these individuals come into direct conflict with those who legally live within these communities. Our politicians are to blame for this, showing a total lack of courage to make decisions that can solve these problems. What can they do you may ask?
1. The Public Authorities Must declare Affordable Housing as a Human Right. This will legally force the authorities to act.
2. REAL Affordable Housing(apartments) Must be made available to All our citizens. We are talking about rental units where the working individual is charged $500-750.00 a month. This can be done and has been done throughout the world. Urban Home Owners disallow it as a potential source that will diminish their property values. Torontonians, Vancouverites and residents of other large cities who own their homes will not support Real Affordable Housing, certainly not in their neighbourhoods. Shelters and injection centers are also not popular in their posh neighbourhoods. A great idea, just not in my neighbourhood.
3. Police must diligently disallow any immediate establishment of encampments in our public areas. See one tent, take it down. The Safety and Peace of these neighbourhoods must be kept.
4. The Authorities must have the authority to legally remove, transport and place those citizens who show through their own actions that they are in need. Staying outside in negative 20-degree weather, Outright drug use potentially suicidal. That’s a crime, right?
5. Establishment of local detox, and mental health facilities where our neighbours in need will be interviewed by professionals, assessed and helped. Potential stays of three months would allow the system to actually assist these individuals. Detox, medical and psychological assistance provided. The client’s long-term recovery is of prime importance. Eventual housing and employment provided.
Our elected officials have placed themselves in a serious situation where they need to please everyone and remain popular, while at the same time being able to make decisions that will polarize a good portion of their community. Never a win-win situation for these folks eh. Serious decisions need to be made, allowing our population to grow continually while caring for each individual within the collective.
Remember these famous lines as you ponder the above-mentioned problems…”Sometimes in our lives we all have pain, we all have sorrow, but if we are wise we will know there’s always a tomorrow. Lean on me when your not strong and I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on, for it won’t be long until I’m going to need someone to lean on”.(Bill Withers thanks)
Steven Kaszab
Bradford, Ontario
[email protected]
