City of Kingston: City Crews continue with measured approach to daytime sheltering in parks

The City of Kingston, with support from community partners, has begun applying the Parks Use By-Law (#2009-76) in all municipally owned parks, as directed by Council. 

Upon arrival to Belle Park both Wednesday and Thursday mornings, City staff members were confronted by a large group of people blocking entry to the area. At one point, someone also used a parked car to block access to a storage container provided by the City for use by the individuals sheltering in Belle Park. These actions prevented City staff from safely engaging with or providing services to individuals sheltering in the park. 

“We understand there are groups in the community who feel very strongly about the By-Law and wish to protest on behalf of the people sheltering in City parks and we certainly saw that demonstrated,” says Paige Agnew, City Spokesperson, and Commissioner, Growth and Development Services. “It was always our goal to approach this situation with respect and understanding and at all times keeping the safety of people sheltering at the park and staff members top of mind,” says Agnew.

City staff chose to temporarily suspend enforcement operations in a commitment to maintaining the safety and well-being of everyone including individuals sheltering in the park, advocates, staff, community partners and neighbours. 

Agnew points out the City will continue with a ‘measured approach,’ taking into consideration each individual and their needs. “This was always going to be about a continuation of the relationship-building that staff have been doing for many, many months,” she says. “And working with multiple partners, we will continue engaging with individuals on a case-by-case basis.” 

Part of that approach, says Agnew, has involved distributing information both verbally and through printed materials to people sheltering at the park, in efforts to give individuals time to prepare. “We recognize this is an extremely difficult time for those sheltering in parks,” says Agnew. “However, City Council has directed staff to move ahead with implementing provisions of this by-law, which has been on the books for a long time, and which allows for everyone in the community, including people sheltering overnight, to safely use all City parks.” 

While City staff are asking for voluntary compliance, Agnew points out that ‘as a last resort, the City will consider all available legal remedies.’ 

On Wednesday morning, Kingston Police, including a two-person liaison team, were at Belle Park to assist City Staff. These teams typically are involved with non-enforcement-related activities. 

The City has worked closely with community partners to share information about expanded options for storage, daytime shelters and support services. This includes expanded daytime drop-in services on Saturday and Sunday (from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. at Adelaide St. Centre) and a new sea container in Belle Park, operated by Homebase Housing, which will be open daily to store tents and belongings during the day.  

City staff will continue applying the Parks Use By-Law (#2009-76) in all municipally owned parks, as directed by Council. However, due to exceptional operational demands for Monday’s total solar eclipse, the City acknowledges that a reduced staff presence is likely in the coming days.