Proposed Encampment Protocol

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Consultation has concluded

Since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, communities across Canada have increasingly grappled with the need to find solutions that address the needs of both people living in encampments and the broader communities they exist within.

Encampments are the result of several conditions including:

  • a lack of affordable housing, particularly with supports;
  • limited emergency shelter space;
  • an opioid epidemic;
  • untreated and exacerbated mental health issues;
  • a broader lack of affordability for basic needs; and
  • insufficient resources at a municipal level to address these issues.

As such, encampments are likely to exist for the foreseeable future in lieu of significant intervention from other levels of government.

The needs of people experiencing homelessness and the regulatory and governance landscape has evolved over the past few years, which means that the City of Hamilton needs to change with it to ensure we can compassionately and responsibility support and assist unhoused Hamilton residents.

Hamilton’s actively homeless population has consistently remained over 1,500 since December 2021 and currently sits at 1,615 as of April 2023.

From a legal perspective, in 2019 the Federal government has enshrined housing as a human right in legislation under the National Housing Strategy Act, and in 2023, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled that municipalities need to have places for people experiencing homelessness to go – such as shelters or other housing solutions – before asking individuals to leave encampments.

Proposed steps to better assist individuals living unsheltered are:

a) sanctioned encampments that can provide individuals with a safe and stable environment to live in, and
b) an encampment protocol that would permit individuals experiencing homelessness to live in outdoor locations separate from a sanctioned site.

This provides a framework of where people could stay in the event that they do not feel comfortable staying at a sanctioned site or if the City of Hamilton does not pursue sanctioned encampment sites as a policy.

Key elements of the proposed encampment protocol included:

  • A housing first approach where the City prioritizes finding individuals more stable housing over ensuring that individuals do not camp in public places. This may necessarily mean that individuals are permitted reside in encampments in public spaces until that accommodation can be found.
  • A limit of five tents per encampment area that require minimum amount of personal space and minimum distances between other encampments
  • Prohibiting encampments from being near highways, pathways, bridges, sidewalks, fire routes, and accessibility entrances, schools, day cares or areas with high environmentally sensitive or heritage designations
  • Minimum distances from recreational assets and private property

WHAT'S NEXT

Following the collection of feedback, City of Hamilton staff will be providing Council with community feedback on the topic of sanctioned encampment sites and will be presenting a revised protocol to Council inclusive of community feedback. That feedback, supplemented by a scan of what is being done by other municipalities, is schedule to be presented to Council for their review and decision in August of 2023.

Share your ideas on the document, complete the survey, or ask a question for Housing Services! Commenting period closes 11:59pm on June 30.

Since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, communities across Canada have increasingly grappled with the need to find solutions that address the needs of both people living in encampments and the broader communities they exist within.

Encampments are the result of several conditions including:

  • a lack of affordable housing, particularly with supports;
  • limited emergency shelter space;
  • an opioid epidemic;
  • untreated and exacerbated mental health issues;
  • a broader lack of affordability for basic needs; and
  • insufficient resources at a municipal level to address these issues.

As such, encampments are likely to exist for the foreseeable future in lieu of significant intervention from other levels of government.

The needs of people experiencing homelessness and the regulatory and governance landscape has evolved over the past few years, which means that the City of Hamilton needs to change with it to ensure we can compassionately and responsibility support and assist unhoused Hamilton residents.

Hamilton’s actively homeless population has consistently remained over 1,500 since December 2021 and currently sits at 1,615 as of April 2023.

From a legal perspective, in 2019 the Federal government has enshrined housing as a human right in legislation under the National Housing Strategy Act, and in 2023, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled that municipalities need to have places for people experiencing homelessness to go – such as shelters or other housing solutions – before asking individuals to leave encampments.

Proposed steps to better assist individuals living unsheltered are:

a) sanctioned encampments that can provide individuals with a safe and stable environment to live in, and
b) an encampment protocol that would permit individuals experiencing homelessness to live in outdoor locations separate from a sanctioned site.

This provides a framework of where people could stay in the event that they do not feel comfortable staying at a sanctioned site or if the City of Hamilton does not pursue sanctioned encampment sites as a policy.

Key elements of the proposed encampment protocol included:

  • A housing first approach where the City prioritizes finding individuals more stable housing over ensuring that individuals do not camp in public places. This may necessarily mean that individuals are permitted reside in encampments in public spaces until that accommodation can be found.
  • A limit of five tents per encampment area that require minimum amount of personal space and minimum distances between other encampments
  • Prohibiting encampments from being near highways, pathways, bridges, sidewalks, fire routes, and accessibility entrances, schools, day cares or areas with high environmentally sensitive or heritage designations
  • Minimum distances from recreational assets and private property

WHAT'S NEXT

Following the collection of feedback, City of Hamilton staff will be providing Council with community feedback on the topic of sanctioned encampment sites and will be presenting a revised protocol to Council inclusive of community feedback. That feedback, supplemented by a scan of what is being done by other municipalities, is schedule to be presented to Council for their review and decision in August of 2023.

Share your ideas on the document, complete the survey, or ask a question for Housing Services! Commenting period closes 11:59pm on June 30.

Consultation has concluded

We are collecting your questions and will post answers regularly.

  • Share Certainly, attempting to create a safe & healthy area for the unhoused is important. But what arrangements are being done beyond giving them a roof over their head? What is being done to assist people that have untreated and exacerbated mental health issues and/or have opioid issues? Will the City’s goals be to help cure or medicate these individuals while living in these encampments? . . . and finally, would the next step be to retrain these individuals to possibly re-enter the workforce? Thank you. on Facebook Share Certainly, attempting to create a safe & healthy area for the unhoused is important. But what arrangements are being done beyond giving them a roof over their head? What is being done to assist people that have untreated and exacerbated mental health issues and/or have opioid issues? Will the City’s goals be to help cure or medicate these individuals while living in these encampments? . . . and finally, would the next step be to retrain these individuals to possibly re-enter the workforce? Thank you. on Twitter Share Certainly, attempting to create a safe & healthy area for the unhoused is important. But what arrangements are being done beyond giving them a roof over their head? What is being done to assist people that have untreated and exacerbated mental health issues and/or have opioid issues? Will the City’s goals be to help cure or medicate these individuals while living in these encampments? . . . and finally, would the next step be to retrain these individuals to possibly re-enter the workforce? Thank you. on Linkedin Email Certainly, attempting to create a safe & healthy area for the unhoused is important. But what arrangements are being done beyond giving them a roof over their head? What is being done to assist people that have untreated and exacerbated mental health issues and/or have opioid issues? Will the City’s goals be to help cure or medicate these individuals while living in these encampments? . . . and finally, would the next step be to retrain these individuals to possibly re-enter the workforce? Thank you. link

    Certainly, attempting to create a safe & healthy area for the unhoused is important. But what arrangements are being done beyond giving them a roof over their head? What is being done to assist people that have untreated and exacerbated mental health issues and/or have opioid issues? Will the City’s goals be to help cure or medicate these individuals while living in these encampments? . . . and finally, would the next step be to retrain these individuals to possibly re-enter the workforce? Thank you.

    Jacquie asked 11 months ago

    The goal of a housing-led approach is to support all individuals in creating an individualized housing plan. Housing Focused Street Outreach workers connect with individuals in encampments for the purpose of offering supports and supporting that housing plan. Outreach takes time and can involve making connections to services and supports, such as mental health and addictions, as required. 

  • Share I challenge ask every city councillor (or staff member) to name a space in their ward where a 5 tent encampment would be allowed following the restrictions of this protocol. Please name an area in each ward that would meet these requirements? on Facebook Share I challenge ask every city councillor (or staff member) to name a space in their ward where a 5 tent encampment would be allowed following the restrictions of this protocol. Please name an area in each ward that would meet these requirements? on Twitter Share I challenge ask every city councillor (or staff member) to name a space in their ward where a 5 tent encampment would be allowed following the restrictions of this protocol. Please name an area in each ward that would meet these requirements? on Linkedin Email I challenge ask every city councillor (or staff member) to name a space in their ward where a 5 tent encampment would be allowed following the restrictions of this protocol. Please name an area in each ward that would meet these requirements? link

    I challenge ask every city councillor (or staff member) to name a space in their ward where a 5 tent encampment would be allowed following the restrictions of this protocol. Please name an area in each ward that would meet these requirements?

    Rita asked 11 months ago

    The City is developing a list of recommended sites that would meet the basic criteria for a sanctioned site. This will be presented to council in August. 

  • Share Will the city be designating these larger encampment areas for future construction of permanent available housing? on Facebook Share Will the city be designating these larger encampment areas for future construction of permanent available housing? on Twitter Share Will the city be designating these larger encampment areas for future construction of permanent available housing? on Linkedin Email Will the city be designating these larger encampment areas for future construction of permanent available housing? link

    Will the city be designating these larger encampment areas for future construction of permanent available housing?

    Dee asked 11 months ago

    Not under consideration at this time. Most areas under consideration already have a primary use. 

  • Share Will heat/cool areas be made available at the proposed city encampment sites, and if so, how will these be implemented? on Facebook Share Will heat/cool areas be made available at the proposed city encampment sites, and if so, how will these be implemented? on Twitter Share Will heat/cool areas be made available at the proposed city encampment sites, and if so, how will these be implemented? on Linkedin Email Will heat/cool areas be made available at the proposed city encampment sites, and if so, how will these be implemented? link

    Will heat/cool areas be made available at the proposed city encampment sites, and if so, how will these be implemented?

    Dee asked 11 months ago

    The City already has protocols in place for Heat and Cold response. Both will be reviewed to include a plan for encampment residents. 

  • Share With the more stringent requirements for encampments outside of the larger encampment areas and over 1600 experiencing homelessness in our city, why is the city only looking at 3-5 areas of 30-50 tents? on Facebook Share With the more stringent requirements for encampments outside of the larger encampment areas and over 1600 experiencing homelessness in our city, why is the city only looking at 3-5 areas of 30-50 tents? on Twitter Share With the more stringent requirements for encampments outside of the larger encampment areas and over 1600 experiencing homelessness in our city, why is the city only looking at 3-5 areas of 30-50 tents? on Linkedin Email With the more stringent requirements for encampments outside of the larger encampment areas and over 1600 experiencing homelessness in our city, why is the city only looking at 3-5 areas of 30-50 tents? link

    With the more stringent requirements for encampments outside of the larger encampment areas and over 1600 experiencing homelessness in our city, why is the city only looking at 3-5 areas of 30-50 tents?

    Dee asked 11 months ago

    This number (1600) includes those in residing in emergency shelter. There are currently about 165 unique individuals who are unsheltered and/or regularly living in encampments throughout the city. 

  • Share As a senior living alone but wanting to remain in my otherwise very large and empty home the solution to housing at least a portion of the homeless population is blatantly clear. I cm know that I am not alone in feeling this. My question to the city planners is this: Could the city act to vet and match those having excess space with those that require it, and if not why not? It seems odd that a city would consider spending hundreds upon hundreds of thousands of dollars on planting road medians with flowers to beautify Hamilton when this money could otherwise be spent on creating jobs to vet and match prospective residents to meet some portion of this cities housing need. There are so many seniors in my position and so many people requiring housing that this simple solution seems like a no brainer. on Facebook Share As a senior living alone but wanting to remain in my otherwise very large and empty home the solution to housing at least a portion of the homeless population is blatantly clear. I cm know that I am not alone in feeling this. My question to the city planners is this: Could the city act to vet and match those having excess space with those that require it, and if not why not? It seems odd that a city would consider spending hundreds upon hundreds of thousands of dollars on planting road medians with flowers to beautify Hamilton when this money could otherwise be spent on creating jobs to vet and match prospective residents to meet some portion of this cities housing need. There are so many seniors in my position and so many people requiring housing that this simple solution seems like a no brainer. on Twitter Share As a senior living alone but wanting to remain in my otherwise very large and empty home the solution to housing at least a portion of the homeless population is blatantly clear. I cm know that I am not alone in feeling this. My question to the city planners is this: Could the city act to vet and match those having excess space with those that require it, and if not why not? It seems odd that a city would consider spending hundreds upon hundreds of thousands of dollars on planting road medians with flowers to beautify Hamilton when this money could otherwise be spent on creating jobs to vet and match prospective residents to meet some portion of this cities housing need. There are so many seniors in my position and so many people requiring housing that this simple solution seems like a no brainer. on Linkedin Email As a senior living alone but wanting to remain in my otherwise very large and empty home the solution to housing at least a portion of the homeless population is blatantly clear. I cm know that I am not alone in feeling this. My question to the city planners is this: Could the city act to vet and match those having excess space with those that require it, and if not why not? It seems odd that a city would consider spending hundreds upon hundreds of thousands of dollars on planting road medians with flowers to beautify Hamilton when this money could otherwise be spent on creating jobs to vet and match prospective residents to meet some portion of this cities housing need. There are so many seniors in my position and so many people requiring housing that this simple solution seems like a no brainer. link

    As a senior living alone but wanting to remain in my otherwise very large and empty home the solution to housing at least a portion of the homeless population is blatantly clear. I cm know that I am not alone in feeling this. My question to the city planners is this: Could the city act to vet and match those having excess space with those that require it, and if not why not? It seems odd that a city would consider spending hundreds upon hundreds of thousands of dollars on planting road medians with flowers to beautify Hamilton when this money could otherwise be spent on creating jobs to vet and match prospective residents to meet some portion of this cities housing need. There are so many seniors in my position and so many people requiring housing that this simple solution seems like a no brainer.

    susanatthelake asked 11 months ago

    A motion was approved at Council in May that requires staff to review the feasibility of having a registry where the public could sign up to house someone experiencing homelessness. Staff will need to consult with various city departments, including Risk management and Legal and report back to council at a later date. 

    May 17, 2023 General Issues Committee Meeting Minutes - Advocate Registry for Homelessness (Added Item 11.1)

  • Share Why does the city continue to turn down applications for tiny home communities, despite their overwhelming success in other communities? on Facebook Share Why does the city continue to turn down applications for tiny home communities, despite their overwhelming success in other communities? on Twitter Share Why does the city continue to turn down applications for tiny home communities, despite their overwhelming success in other communities? on Linkedin Email Why does the city continue to turn down applications for tiny home communities, despite their overwhelming success in other communities? link

    Why does the city continue to turn down applications for tiny home communities, despite their overwhelming success in other communities?

    asked 11 months ago

    Housing Services staff are continuing to work with HATS (Hamilton Alliance for Tiny Shelters) and will be bringing a new report to council the upcoming months.

  • Share This is a severe crisis. These people need help and support TODAY and continue to be forced to move out of there camp sites with nowhere safe to go. This plan is going to take months to come to fruition IF it gets approved. What is the plan in the meantime to support these people and give them safe housing. on Facebook Share This is a severe crisis. These people need help and support TODAY and continue to be forced to move out of there camp sites with nowhere safe to go. This plan is going to take months to come to fruition IF it gets approved. What is the plan in the meantime to support these people and give them safe housing. on Twitter Share This is a severe crisis. These people need help and support TODAY and continue to be forced to move out of there camp sites with nowhere safe to go. This plan is going to take months to come to fruition IF it gets approved. What is the plan in the meantime to support these people and give them safe housing. on Linkedin Email This is a severe crisis. These people need help and support TODAY and continue to be forced to move out of there camp sites with nowhere safe to go. This plan is going to take months to come to fruition IF it gets approved. What is the plan in the meantime to support these people and give them safe housing. link

    This is a severe crisis. These people need help and support TODAY and continue to be forced to move out of there camp sites with nowhere safe to go. This plan is going to take months to come to fruition IF it gets approved. What is the plan in the meantime to support these people and give them safe housing.

    Jessiky asked 11 months ago

    Housing Focused Street Outreach workers connect with individuals in encampments on a regular basis to offer supports, connect them to services and work towards housing plans. This work is ongoing across all sites in the city.

  • Share What protocols are being put in place to protect the rights, safety, property value and neighborhood cleanliness of the residents, home owners and tax payers of the neighborhoods that these encampments would be placed? on Facebook Share What protocols are being put in place to protect the rights, safety, property value and neighborhood cleanliness of the residents, home owners and tax payers of the neighborhoods that these encampments would be placed? on Twitter Share What protocols are being put in place to protect the rights, safety, property value and neighborhood cleanliness of the residents, home owners and tax payers of the neighborhoods that these encampments would be placed? on Linkedin Email What protocols are being put in place to protect the rights, safety, property value and neighborhood cleanliness of the residents, home owners and tax payers of the neighborhoods that these encampments would be placed? link

    What protocols are being put in place to protect the rights, safety, property value and neighborhood cleanliness of the residents, home owners and tax payers of the neighborhoods that these encampments would be placed?

    Linda J asked 11 months ago

    If sanctioned sites are approved, they would be operated by the City or through a contract with a community agency. Security, waste collection, staffing and operational guidelines would all be considered.  

  • Share Hello, I have two questions: 1. I do not see any information about the timelines of ensuring actual shelter, my understanding is these encampments will be temporary until city housing developed - are there not many vacant units of which can be used asap? 2. If encampments are a must until housing is made available, I see no mention of humane and basic needs being met - ie. washrooms, showers, cooking areas access? on Facebook Share Hello, I have two questions: 1. I do not see any information about the timelines of ensuring actual shelter, my understanding is these encampments will be temporary until city housing developed - are there not many vacant units of which can be used asap? 2. If encampments are a must until housing is made available, I see no mention of humane and basic needs being met - ie. washrooms, showers, cooking areas access? on Twitter Share Hello, I have two questions: 1. I do not see any information about the timelines of ensuring actual shelter, my understanding is these encampments will be temporary until city housing developed - are there not many vacant units of which can be used asap? 2. If encampments are a must until housing is made available, I see no mention of humane and basic needs being met - ie. washrooms, showers, cooking areas access? on Linkedin Email Hello, I have two questions: 1. I do not see any information about the timelines of ensuring actual shelter, my understanding is these encampments will be temporary until city housing developed - are there not many vacant units of which can be used asap? 2. If encampments are a must until housing is made available, I see no mention of humane and basic needs being met - ie. washrooms, showers, cooking areas access? link

    Hello, I have two questions: 1. I do not see any information about the timelines of ensuring actual shelter, my understanding is these encampments will be temporary until city housing developed - are there not many vacant units of which can be used asap? 2. If encampments are a must until housing is made available, I see no mention of humane and basic needs being met - ie. washrooms, showers, cooking areas access?

    Cat13 asked 11 months ago

    Council recently approved $ 3.792M for CityHousing to bring 476 vacant units back online. As these units become available, they will be offered through the Access to Housing waitlist. Housing Focused Street Outreach staff complete applications for the Access to Housing waitlist with folks residing in encampments top ensure they have equal access to these units.

    In staff’s report back to council in August, temporary washroom and shower solutions will be proposed. As well, access to washrooms and showers as well as other services will be addressed in relation to sanctioned sites.