How close should homeless camps be to homes and apartments? [Video]

City staff responsible for helping people living in tents and on the streets are looking for support from council to extend services to get people through the winter months.

At the same time, they’re asking councillors to change the encampment buffer zone between tent setups and residential property lines from 100 metres to 25 meters.

In a multi-page report submitted ahead of Tuesday’s Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee meeting, staff said they are unable to enforce the existing setback requirements. They say inquiries spiked 33 per cent this summer, compared to the year before. 

“This proximity affects the current encampment and depot program,” Kevin Dickins, deputy city manager wrote. “The challenges to respond to the increased volume of inquiries is impacting [the] ability to address encampments in the community.”  

In June, council passed the following bylaws on where encampments can be located: 

• Not within 100 metres from playgrounds, water parks, …