Ontario Construction News staff writer
Guelph city council has approved a bylaw that will ban encampments in spaces with competing public use during daytime hours, establish separation distances between encampments and school properties, childcare centres, railways, waterways and cemeteries including spaces used by pets, children, sidewalks, pathways and recreational trails for instance.
Also, in areas where encampments are permitted, up to five structures or shelters would be allowed, though they must be distanced from other encampment groupings and school or childcare centres.
The bylaw was deferred until after an appeal court ruling was released and analyzed regarding a challenge of a similar bylaw in Kingston that was ruled unconstitutional.
However, the Kingston appeal was withdrawn without being heard in the spring.
In mid-August, Mayor Cam Guthrie requested the unchanged draft bylaw be presented once again to council at the special council meeting held Wednesday night.
Those in favour largely cited safety concerns around issues like open drug use and physical altercations.
“This highly permissive bylaw is not a ban on encampments, in fact it will make clear where individuals can safely, and permanently set up shelter if and when needed,” said Mayor Cam Guthrie. “We’re aiming to accommodate the needs of affected individuals in our community while continuing to advocate to other levels of government for more and better resources.”
The bylaw is intended to protect Guelph’s people, and the spaces owned or operated by the city.
“We know that this bylaw will not solve the highly complex issue of homelessness in our community,” said Colleen-Clack Bush, deputy chief administrative officer, City of Guelph. “What this bylaw will do is provide more clarity on what city-owned and operated spaces those who may be living and sleeping outdoors can use. We are committed to helping everyone in our community feel safe and secure.”
To support the implementation of the bylaw, an interactive map will be available, highlighting the areas throughout the city where encampments are allowed. The city also intends to meet with the Accessibility Advisory Committee in October for feedback on how to implement the bylaw when considering the complex needs of those facing accessibility challenges.
Council also passed two additional motions linked to the Wellington-Guelph Health and Housing Community Planning Table.
The first will allow the city to provide up to $450,000 to the County of Wellington to be dispersed through the Wellington-Guelph Health and Housing Community Planning Table for the provision of basic needs for unsheltered individuals in Guelph. This one-time funding drawn from the Tax Rate Operating Contingency Reserve will support work from September 2024 to December 2025.
The second directs staff to work with the Wellington-Guelph Health and Housing Community Planning Table to develop a plan, including a budget and funding source, to provide and maintain portable washrooms, waste bins and sharps disposal to encampments in Guelph. Staff is directed to report to City Council on this matter in early 2025.