Dozens of individuals congregated outside a church in Toronto’s Kensington Market district on Thursday as municipal workers started dismantling another homeless encampment, which was identified as a fire risk. City vehicles were observed removing tents and personal belongings from the encampment located outside St. Stephen-in-the-Fields Anglican Church after approximately 12 residents voluntarily left the premises.
Toronto Fire Services issued an order to clear “flammable materials” and potential fire sources that had accumulated at the location on Bellevue Avenue, leading to heightened fire and safety risks necessitating immediate action. The city and the church confirmed that the order issued on Tuesday triggered the eviction process. A final notification instructing the removal of items from the area was issued by the city on Wednesday and prominently displayed.
The church’s reverend, Maggie Helwig, expressed surprise at the abrupt notice to vacate, highlighting the limited time residents had to pack their belongings into bags and find alternative accommodations. Helwig lamented the dispersal of her acquaintances residing in the encampment site, describing the clearance as a deeply saddening moment.
The encampment at the church was the central theme of Helwig’s recent publication, “Encampment: Resistance, Grace, and an Unhoused Community,” which earned her the Toronto Book Award shortly before the encampment’s removal. Supporters, including Don Oravec, an award judge, emphasized the need for enhanced government assistance to address homelessness, citing the profound impact of Helwig’s advocacy.
Although the city offered shelter space to all residents of the Bellevue Avenue encampment, only seven individuals accepted the temporary accommodation, with Helwig noting their reluctance. She underscored that shelter space is not a sustainable solution, as many individuals struggle to adapt to shelter living conditions, often preferring outdoor environments despite the challenges.
Former encampment resident Cece Bellacohen joined supporters outside the church to demonstrate solidarity with the evicted individuals, labeling them as among the city’s most vulnerable. Bellacohen echoed Helwig’s concerns about the shelter system’s shortcomings, citing incidents of violence and advocating for safer housing alternatives for homeless individuals.
Bellacohen expressed hope for policy changes regarding encampments, urging the city to prioritize providing secure housing options over temporary shelter placements. He emphasized the importance of creating accessible and safe housing solutions to address the needs of homeless individuals effectively.
