'Crime Scenes'-Timmins city council to review bylaws around enforcement and encampments
CBC
Timmins City Council says it will review its bylaws and enforcement tools in an effort to address growing concerns about public drug use and encampments.
The move follows a unanimous vote last month in favour of proposed amendments to Ontario's Trespass to Property Act and new legislation addressing these issues. Premier Doug Ford's government introduced the legislative changes on Dec. 12, intending to give municipalities stronger enforcement tools and to increase penalties for offenders.
The proposed Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act, 2024 explicitly bans public drug use. Officers will be able to issue tickets or make arrests for non-compliance.
Amendments to the Trespass to Property Act would give municipalities and police more authority to act decisively against trespassers in encampments.
Ford wrote in a public statement that there would be more penalties for those who "deliberately and continually break the law," plus new "approaches to treatment and rehabilitation. "
He also emphasized increased funding for shelter spaces and greater accountability for shelter service managers.
"There's growing frustration in the community, and I think rightfully so," said Timmins Mayor Michelle Boileau.
The amendments provide municipalities and police with stronger tools to enforce regulations around encampments and public drug use, explained Boileau.
"It's no secret that municipalities have been feeling like they are left to deal with a lot of social issues, matters of disorder in our communities and we've been left to deal with them on our own. We've been calling on the province to do something and this is what's being proposed now," said Boileau.
Timmins City Council also plans to establish alternative temporary shelters by March, aligning with provincial expectations for addressing encampments.
Mayor Boileau noted the city's commitment to ensuring suitable alternatives for unhoused individuals.
"It's important to not only be talking about enforcement, talking about punitive measures. But at the same time, we also have to make sure that increasing access to the support and services that people require is also a part of the conversation."
City councillor Bill Gvozdanovic expressed support for stronger enforcement.
"I would prefer to have those encampments taken down. We have lots of shelter space, and we should have taken those down four months ago," he said.
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