Unhoused Residents Hold Their Ground in Toronto Park

Despite facing the threat of forced removal, several unhoused individuals residing in the long-standing encampment at Dufferin Grove Park in Toronto are boldly resisting trespass notices demanding they vacate. The deadline to leave was set for 9 a.m. on September 17, but they remain steadfast.

City's Response: Bylaw Officers on the Scene

On Wednesday morning, city bylaw enforcement officers arrived with dump trucks, signaling escalating pressure on the encampment. Seven residents had received trespass notices encouraging their departure, yet they refuse to comply without a commitment to stable housing.

A Fight for Safe Housing

Cece Bella Cohen, one of the residents, articulated their demands, emphasizing the desire for stable, secure housing over temporary shelter options. "We won’t leave until we receive an offer for a safe place to call home," Cohen declared, highlighting her specific need for a wheelchair-accessible unit.

Shelters Seen as Unsafe Alternatives

Cohen and others assert that the existing shelter system poses dangers to their health and safety, which drives their insistence on remaining in the park. "Nobody wants to be here," she stated, echoing the sentiment of many who feel trapped in a cycle of trauma when faced with the shelter system.

City Officials Claim No Immediate Eviction Plan

In a statement, a City spokesperson conveyed that there is no current plan to clear the encampment, focusing instead on finding suitable shelter solutions for the residents. "We are working to offer individuals spaces that match their needs, providing support at every step of the transition," stated Kate Lear.

Supporters Rally to the Residents' Side

On Tuesday, advocates gathered at Dufferin Grove to show solidarity with the encampment’s residents. Michael Deforge, a community member, noted the city's shift away from harsh eviction tactics but criticized the inadequate permanent housing solutions currently offered.

A History of Harsh Evictions

Deforge argued that the evictions resemble previous traumatic experiences faced by the unhoused, where they were shuffled between shelters only to return to the streets without a sense of stability or community.

Open to Dialogue, but with Conditions

The residents are willing to engage in discussions with the city, but only if the proposed solutions genuinely address their needs, emphasizing the importance of a community-oriented housing approach over temporary fixes.

City’s Ongoing Commitment to Support

City officials have claimed a proactive stance, working with encamped individuals since February to create an Interdivisional Protocol aimed at dismantling encampments while providing necessary support services. They reported having interacted with residents nearly 200 days, tailoring assistance to the unique needs of each individual.

Progress Made, but Challenges Remain

Since the city's intervention began, 56 individuals have found shelter, while nine have transitioned into permanent housing. However, as of late Wednesday, several residents remained in the park despite notices, with city crews beginning to remove abandoned belongings.

Looking Ahead: A Long Road to Stability

City officials suggest that the ongoing trespass enforcement is part of a broader strategy to expedite shelter placement and support services, but the future remains uncertain for those still living in Dufferin Grove Park. The hope for effective housing solutions continues amidst a backdrop of ongoing struggles against removal.