Homeless Camps Restricted in St. Catharines

Friday, 2 May 2025 17:46

By Geoff Waterfield

Council passes by-law, keeping them further from schools, parks, residential areas

Homeless camps are no longer allowed within certain distances of schools, cemeteries, and residential areas in St. Catharines.

Council recently passed a by-law by a 10-2 vote, meaning camps must be 100 metres away from schools, and 30 metres from residential areas.

Mayor Mat Siscoe argued there's too much crime such as drugs, human trafficking and more.

However, resident Saleh Waziruddin challenged homeless people need support. "Halifax and Kelowna have done this. They have affordable toilets and bottled water in places where they prefer encampments. But, what you can't do is enforcement, or the iron fist, because that means punishing people for just trying to exist. There are good reasons unhoused people go where they are going."

Mayor Siscoe added this is the #1 complaint the city hears about from residents.

After hearing advocates say that homeless people have suffered trauma, the mayor also agreed they should not be moved if nowhere to go.

However, he says there's been discussion about where camps can go. "The city should not operate encampments. We've seen what happens when that occurs, Hamilton has gone through that. It's created a very difficult position and now cities like Hamilton that have authorized encampments are walking those policies back because they have not worked."

Councillor Bill Phillips added this is also about protecting the homeless from problems if living near residential areas.

Homeless Camps Restricted in St. Catharines

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