Toronto set to clear another homeless encampment due to fire hazard concerns
Toronto is set to clear another homeless encampment due to fire hazard concerns. Municipal workers are addressing safety issues outside St. Stephen-in-the-Fields Anglican Church, located in the Kensington Market neighborhood.
Encampment Removal Orders
On Tuesday, Toronto Fire Services issued a warning regarding the growing fire risk in the area. This notice necessitated the removal of all flammable materials. Following this, a final order was delivered on Wednesday, directing the encampment residents to vacate.
Details of the Eviction
- Approximately 12 residents were present at the encampment.
- Residents began leaving the site on the afternoon following the order.
- The encampment had been situated at this site for around four years.
The city recently cleared another encampment at Dufferin Grove Park. During this operation, officials noted that all Bellevue Avenue encampment residents were offered shelter space. A total of seven individuals accepted the offer and moved into nearby shelters.
Community Response
Maggie Helwig, the priest at St. Stephen-in-the-Fields, expressed her sadness over the situation. She mentioned that many of the residents had formed friendships with her and that the eviction represented a profound loss for the community. Notably, the church hadn’t received an eviction notice since November 2023, demonstrating the long-standing nature of the encampment.
The city of Toronto continues to face challenges in addressing homelessness while ensuring public safety, particularly regarding fire hazards.
