Ontario plans for tougher encampment rules stir emotional debate, including among Thunder Bay shelter users

Although she's had no permanent home for two years, Bunny Chief says she often gives up her space at the overnight shelter so others have a warm place to sleep.

"I try to make room for everybody else because I do have a little heater in my tent," she said.

But as temperatures continue to drop in Thunder Bay, Ont., she has no concrete plans for the coming months.

"I've never had to go through anything like this before. It is really stressful."

Since Premier Doug Ford announced he's introducing legislation that would allow municipalities to dismantle encampments — and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms' notwithstanding clause could be used if courts don't allow it — there's been a mix of support and pushback from across the province.

Thunder Bay, for instance, believes in a different approach — one more in line with the needs of individuals like Chief, who often have nowhere to turn to get housing and other help.

The northwestern Ontario city provides funding to outreach workers who check in on people in encampments, giving them food, water and other supplies while handing out applications for long-term housing.

"I do believe that we have a very effective system going," said Mayor Ken Boshcoff. 

According to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) — which this summer asked the province for guidance on how to handle them, and more help to house and support people — there were at least 1,400 homeless encampments last year.

Ford's planned legislation is in response to a letter from a dozen mayors asking for tougher laws on encampments and public drug use. Boshcoff was not among the 12.

In London, however, Mayor Josh Morgan applauded Ford's plans, telling CBC: "When we see the details, we'll be able to understand it a lot better, so I would suggest people be very open to this, not jump to a bunch of conclusions.

"If we can solve all these things, we're finally on the right track of trying to give people the care they need, but also create the public safety ... that people have been looking for for some time."

Some municipal councillors in the province also disagree with lawmakers using the notwithstanding clause — Sec. 33 of the Charter — to override court decisions. 

Chief said she's been on a wait-list to get into housing for two years. She's among at least 550 people experiencing homelessness in the city, according to a recent 24-hour count of the unhoused population.