Toronto clears almost encampments near children's areas, but critics say causes of homelessness remain | CBC News

"City staff have removed nearly all homeless encampments within 50 metres of schools, daycares and playgrounds in Toronto, a senior official says. The clearing of 46 out of 47 encampments near facilities for children comes after councillors directed staff to make it a priority in November last year, according to Gordon Tanner, general manager of Toronto Shelter and Support Services. There is only one encampment left in the city still within 50 metres of a school, daycare or playground, he added."

"The reduction is "really a direct result of some investments we had through the 2025 budget to get more people on the street and connecting with people and offering them supports to come inside, but also a factor of seeing less demand from the number of refugee claimants," Tanner told reporters on Friday. "That opens up space in our shelter system and allows us to bring more people inside.""

"Tanner said encampments were cleared after staff offered indoor shelter space to the unhoused people living in the encampments. More than 48 unhoused people were offered indoor space, he added. "We resolve encampments. That's all about first talking to the people that are there, ensuring that we're doing our best to meet their needs with respect to shelter and housing," Tanner said. "When their needs are resolved, then obviously, we remove the materials that are left behind in the encampment itself.""

City staff removed 46 of 47 homeless encampments located within 50 metres of schools, daycares, and playgrounds in Toronto between Nov. 13, 2025 and Jan. 9. Staff offered indoor shelter space to more than 48 unhoused people before removing encampments. The clearance followed councillors' direction in November to prioritize removals near children's facilities. Officials attribute the reduction to 2025 budget investments that increased shelter access and to reduced demand from refugee claimants, which opened shelter space. Encampment removals proceeded after efforts to meet residents' shelter and housing needs, with materials removed once needs were resolved. An encampment is defined as any tent or structure that encroaches on a city park.

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