I live near the Etobicoke Creek Trail and a year ago, maybe two, I remember seeing tents EVERYWHERE. There must have been 100+ on the creek‘s path and off the streets leading into the downtown area. I’ve noticed that I am not seeing many tents up at all. I actually can’t remember the last time I’ve seen one.
I don’t know anyone who is experiencing homelessness or anyone who is familiar with the system, so I am curious about how so many unhoused people are suddenly not visible. I thought the homelessness problem was growing, and that resources are becoming less accessible. The issue was so prevalent in just this one area, I’m sure it existed all over the city. I am interested in learning more about this and appreciate any insight you might have.
I ride Etobicoke Creek path often and this year I've seen very little evidence of homeless along path. Two years ago and further you could easily see bikes,shopping carts, clothes laying around and sometimes tents deep in bushes.
I still see some tents here and there. There is one person sleeping by Tokyo maki sushi out in the elements without a tent the last few months. But he cleans up and there is no trace of him when he wakes up. Maybe Patrick brown is forcing law to crack down so the city looks decent during the campaigning period.
They’ve done heavy enforcement for the last couple years. If anything it’s quieter now as there had been security patrols going around Duggan and along the trail almost non stop. There definitely hasn’t been an uptick with the election since as someone mentioned, security patrols are if anything a bit lighter compared to before.
And i will give massive credit to councillor Santos however as she’s made a concerted effort for this over the past few years. She also helped make a big push for example with the pickle ball courts at Calvert park. It was to address the popularity of the game, but it was also done to replace the deshelved lawn bowling fixture which was a seasonal hang out for the transient population for several years
Becasue Grace United and Regeneration just let these homeless people hang out in front of the Church at all hours. Get your free food and leave!
I lived in the building across the street and you would hear them at all hours of the day and night screaming, fighting and doing drugs. One week I counted at least 5 times an ambulance was there for what I’d assume were OD’s. They would also sneak into the building, smoke and do drugs in the stairwells and piss/shit in the elevator. Oh and here’s a photo I took from my balcony of a fire they started one year. They also started a fire in the building’s recycling room. I have no issues with homeless people but these are addicts who act like fkn animals. If help was given to them tomorrow to get clean you really think they’d take it? Hell no!
Oh they also caused $20k worth of damage to the lawyers office across the street and would have sex in their backyard.
I may not like Rowena but honestly good for her for getting these people away from downtown.
“Homeless” that seem to find shelter every year once the fair weather months are over. Somehow the issue is largely solved once the temperature drops.
And it was documented they were offering suitable hotel rooms and shelters but declined it
Whether or not someone is a supporter of Regen, it’s apparent that it become a magnate for considerably large groups of at risk population which was increasing exponentially year over year. And though people were being served food, there’s the unintended effect of being a drug market in the area and the related security issues about it.
I’m not sure if anyone expected to grow like it did, and in this case, growth what even Regen acknowledged they couldn’t manage in terms of the affect on the surrounding area
I don’t even blame ReGen, but observing it (from living very near) has had me question the viability of a soup kitchen model. There are other ways people can get food.
There are less international students using the shelter system and camping in the woods. That may not be the whole reason, but it certainly contributed to the strain on the system that forced people to rough it.
The moment an international student was using the shelter system they should’ve been sent back home. Absolutely ridiculous they are/were allowed to use resources meant for our citizens
My point is that encampment removals aren't some sudden pre-election blitz, they’ve been happening continuously as routine responses to resident complaints for years. I literally had one beside my home cleared back in 2024 after reaching out to my city councillor
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u/Warm_Collection_3993 2d ago
The Region of Peel workers supported by Peel Police have been attending encampments offering support since the spring.
Surprise.. people don’t want to be outside.