Hamilton’s homelessness and encampment strategy was back on the agenda at City Hall this morning in a meeting to discuss the latest plans for additional shelters.
In a general issues committee Hamilton Ward 3 Councillor Nrinder Nann put forward a motion concerning distance separation when it comes to 192 shelter beds being added to existing facilities.
This could potentially see certain parks and green spaces removed from the encampment protocol compliant sites once the beds are in use.
This includes J.C. Beemer park, Bishop’s Park and the Claremont Access parkettes.
The intention is to reduce the concentration of encampments and beds in the community in one area.
City staff highlighted that vital services and supports would be substantially impacted if the one-kilometre distance separation is applied to existing shelter spaces.
Council previously approved that distance for the ‘outdoor’ temporary shelter in the Barton Street West and Tiffany area.
This now prohibits encampments in Bayfront, Pier 4 and Central parks once the structure is up and running.
The additional shelter beds would increase capacity in the system by 56 per cent, with the majority of them in Wards 2 and 3.