City of Guelph taking measured approached to downtown encampment enforcement [Video]

Guelph enacted a new bylaw on Oct. 1 meant to address the growing encampment in the downtown core, which the city describes as both a compassionate and cautious approach.

The intent of the bylaw is to ensure public spaces are being used for their intended purpose and bans temporary structures or encampments from two specific locations.

“About 90 per cent of the areas within the city have now been deemed an acceptable place for people that are experiencing homelessness and need a shelter,” explained Mayor Cam Guthrie. “We’ve also not allowed [encampments] in our downtown core – St. George’s Square and in Market Square in front of city hall.”

Guthrie said the bylaw is about finding a balance between compassion for people who are unhoused and maintaining a welcoming downtown.

Despite the new bylaw, so far no action has been taken by the City of Guelph.

“Our first step was …