Addressing homeless encampments in Timmins with compassion, understanding

Homeless encampments have been a contentious topic in Timmins this year. CTV News Northern Ontario recently joined a team of bylaw officers to look at the work they do keeping the city and its people safe.

Homeless encampments have been a contentious topic in Timmins this year. CTV News Northern Ontario recently joined a team of bylaw officers to look at the work they do keeping the city and its people safe.

Among their first stops is an encampment set up in the front porch of an abandoned building. Following up on a previous warning, the bylaw officers tell the people inside to take it down.

“Whether it’s through our cleaning and clearing bylaw or our encampment protocol, it is unsafe,” said bylaw officer Brandon Larocque.

“They were given 24 hours to remove it, so we stopped here again this morning and they were very cooperative. We will likely be back tomorrow, though.”

Larocque said he’s firm but personable, making sure to explain the law -- but with empathy and still allowing homeless people their dignity.

“I feel bad,” he said.

“I would like shelter, if I was homeless, I would like food in my belly. So, in that respect, it is tough, mentally, on us.”