Ontario bill aimed at ending homeless encampments to stiffen trespass, drug penalties [Video]

Ontario legislation aimed at helping municipalities clear homeless encampments out of public parks will include stronger trespass laws and fines or jail time for illegal drug use in public, Premier Doug Ford announced Thursday.

Families should be able to enjoy parks and people facing homelessness, addiction or mental-health challenges should be supported in the right settings, Ford said.

“These encampments are taking over public spaces, with illegal drug use happening out in the open, creating huge safety risks for people and communities,” he said at a press conference. “Enough is enough. This has to stop, and it will stop.”

The bill is set to strengthen penalties for people who repeatedly break trespass laws, adding “continuous trespassing” as an aggravating factor the courts would consider during sentencing.

The legislation would also allow police and provincial offences officers to ticket or arrest people using illegal drugs in public, with penalties of up to $10,000 or six months in jail.