Kingston, Ont. encampment protocol enforcement comes into effect

Unhoused campers and local outreach organizations react to the city's encampment protocol being reinstated.

The City of Kingston will be enforcing its “no camping” bylaw starting this week, meaning no unhoused campers are allowed to set up in public spaces.

But with local shelters and facilities at near full capacity, where will these campers go?

“It’s really, really hard being homeless. It’s really hard having nobody,” said Eli Whitley, who is unhoused.

After many complaints from residents, Kingston council reinstated its encampment protocol last week.

It means no more unhoused people will be allowed to set up camp in public parks or spaces.

“Ultimately, it’s disappointing,” Trellis HIV and Community Care executive director Gilles Charette said. “City staff have been working on adding capacity to our system by way of additional housing options for people. Those won’t be ready until late summer and early fall. There’s still not quite enough to meet the need that exists in the community.”

The city says each person’s relocation will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

In a press release, the city says it will provide alternate service options, such as “shelter, access to the Integrated Care Hub, motel/hotel, apartment, medical services, storage and transportation.”