Ask and you shall receive. That’s because a Toronto neigbourhood, and those living in encampments nearby, will finally receive support that meets their needs and demands thanks to a new action plan.
Last month, a Toronto community raised concerns about an encampment they said caused fear, anxiety and stress among residents living in its proximity.
Community members even penned a letter to several municipal leaders urging them to help clean up Clarence Square Park and make it more welcoming and safe for their families.
In response,Spadina-Fort York Councillor and Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, wrote a letter of her own to Gord Tanner, the general manager of Toronto Shelter and Support Services (TSSS), asking for help.
“We have seen your team’s successful lessons in Allan Gardens, where such enhancements were made to ensure residents left the park into permanent housing situations,” the letter read in part.
READ MORE: Toronto residents say a homeless encampment is creating fear in their neighbourhood
On Friday, TSSS approved an action plan that would commit to the first steps necessary to implement resources for Clarence Square.
Over the next month, TSSS will be scaling up presence and support in the park including a minimum of two security guards on-site 24/7 starting as soon as possible, as well as two 24/7 community safety teams.
Additionally, a trailer will be at the park which will encourage the presence of city staff and community service providers who are also culturally-connected and will be available for outreach and support to ensure any “housing and shelter availability is presented and prioritized.”
They will also make sure the park is maintained thanks to daily clean-up from Parks Forestry and Recreation. And those living at the encampment will also get a second portable toilet.
Toronto Fire Services will regularly be attending the park.
“We have seen positive outcomes and lessons learned [from] a program like this at Allan Gardens, where the encampment that reached a height of 89 people is now down to 6, with the vast majority going into shelter or permanent housing,” Malik said.
“While this work takes time, ensuring residents are provided permanent shelter increases the likelihood that those requiring shelter do not need to return to the park or simply relocate to other parks nearby in the neighbourhood.”
Malik also notes that the city has seen “time-and-again” that mass evictions don’t create meaningful change and do not solve the housing and homelessness crisis.
