Violations of new city rules on encampments have been found at four sites throughout the city, but no structures have been removed at this point, says a senior city official.
“We're in kind of the education phase right now, and we have provided information,” explained Doug Godfey, the city’s general manager of operations, which includes bylaw enforcement. “We have given opportunity for individuals to have time to relocate or remove their structures.”
The public space use bylaw, which came into effect on Oct. 1, restricts where encampments can and can’t go on city owned or managed properties, as well as regulating how propane tanks are stored and the use of municipal utilities.
Separation distances are also required around railways, waterways, schools and splashpads.
City staff created a map of the city that highlights areas encampments are allowed outright, prohibited and where they can if certain conditions are met.
There is no specific timeline for enforcement efforts to begin, Godfrey said, noting that will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
“We've identified the locations in which there are some structures that do need to be relocated or removed,” he said, explaining violations were found in four encampments, including one on private property not meant for public use and two in sensitive areas.
“All locations, the individuals in them have been informed of the bylaw, provided information on the regulations, as well as we've had our support partners go out and help them with any information,” Godfrey continued. “In some of the cases, some of the individuals have relocated. Some are exploring options.”
When council approved the new rules in August, it specifically listed St. George’s and Market squares among the prohibited, sensitive locations.
After the bylaw came into effect, city staff spent several days visiting encampments to determine if and where violations exist.
Following that, education efforts began, Godfrey said, explaining service agencies often assisted with the information end of things.
“Each week, we are following up, and as part of our wellness checks of all encampments, we will be attending and speaking to the individuals, and we'll follow up again next week as well,” said Godfrey.
If there are still compliance issues, the person could be issued a trespass notice for their structure and the structure would be taken down by City workers. Any personal items would be held onto for 30 days so the owner can claim them.
Once the structure has been removed, there’s no longer a compliance issue and the matter is over, Godfrey previously told GuelphToda.. There will be no fine issued and, for the most part, no court summons handed out.
Though the latter may happen in cases of repeat offenders.
