City of Kingston to begin enforcement of daytime sheltering prohibition in City 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 Kingston City Council. For people who have been sheltering in parks, this means tents and other temporary shelters must be removed one hour after sunrise and cannot be erected until one hour before sunset. 

Following a court decision in late 2023, City staff began letting people know about the provision last month with every effort made to do so in a respectful, safe and empathetic manner.  

Daytime services have expanded, with Adelaide St. Centre, a shelter and daytime drop-in, now operating 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., seven days a week. There are 30 spaces during day services, which started March 29. 

A new sea container in Belle Park, operated by Homebase Housing, will be open daily to store tents and belongings during the day.  

Staff have been implementing procedures for dismantling permanent and/or semi-permanent structures erected in City parks, enforcing fire bans and establishing other procedures intended to protect the security of the City’s parks and infrastructure, address life safety concerns and promote the safe and accessible use of City parks. 

Kingston Police will have a presence in the area to ensure the safety of everyone on the ground, including individuals sheltering there, advocates, staff, community partners and neighbours. 

The City is committed to working with individuals in the encampment to have voluntary compliance. As a last resort, the City will consider all available legal remedies. 

“We recognize this is going to be extremely difficult for people who are sheltering in parks. The City is committed to supporting those impacted by this change in a fair and reasonable way,” says Paige Agnew, Commissioner, Growth and Development Services. "The City has been working closely with community partners to share information about expanded options for storage, daytime shelters and support services.” 

The City of Kingston remains dedicated to finding safe, supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness. To learn more about Encampment Protocol Procedures or to comment on the Protocol Procedures, visit the City of Kingston website.