London is clamping down on where homeless encampments can be set up in the city.
Council approved a new Community Encampment Response Plan during its Tuesday meeting that increases restrictions surrounding where the tents can be erected.
Under the new rules, encampments cannot be set up within 150 metres of elementary schools or daycares or within 100 metres of a private residential property, playgrounds, sports fields, pools, spray pads, or golf courses.
So-called "no-go zones" have also been approved. Encampments set up in those spots are to be rapidly removed by the city. The no-go zones include off-leash dog parks, cemeteries, community gardens, municipal parking lots, under bridges, doorways, or anywhere that blocks an accessibility ramp or poses a safety risk such as an area prone to flooding. Additionally, encampments are also not being permitted in 14 city parks and public locations.
The restrictions were increased from those put forward by frontline agencies assisting with London's Health and Homelessness Whole of Community System Response. Council's decision to extend the setback distances was the result of community feedback received last month.
The city has stressed that its main goal is to move people out of encampments and into proper housing. As part of the Whole of Community System Response, approved in March 2023, London has established two homeless hubs as well as 93 highly supportive housing units, with 50 more units in development. The goal is to have 600 highly supportive housing units within three years.
"Cities across Canada, as well as smaller communities, are all dealing with the realities of unsheltered homelessness and encampments, and London’s Community Encampment Response Plan does not simply acknowledge this harsh reality, but provides a strategy for how we can manage the impacts and support individuals to move indoors through a balance of compassion, community safety, basic needs provision, and increasing our housing supply," said Mayor Josh Morgan.
According to the city, the Community Encampment Response Plan includes safety protocols for individuals living in encampments to support wellness within encampments as well as the surrounding community.
