Encampment Update

Ward 14 Councillor Mike Spadafora’s motion to rescind the City of Hamilton Encampment Protocol passes by a 13-2 majority.

As such, the following will take place:

– the Encampment Protocol will be rescinded as of March 6, 2025;

– the General Managers of Healthy and Safe Communities, Planning & Economic Development, and Public Works will report back at the February 26, 2025 General Issues Committee (GIC) meeting with the necessary resources and staffing needed to transition from the current Encampment Protocol to the City of Hamilton Parks Bylaw;

– Housing Services staff will continue to work with local social agencies to find shelter space for those living in encampments;

– Municipal Law Enforcement (MLE) and Parks staff will dismantle all encampments as well as clean and restore parks to the inviting, safe, and green recreational spaces they once were, to be enjoyed by City of Hamilton taxpayers and their families

Also, Councillor Spadafora noted at today’s meeting that this Council has invested over $125 million in 2024 on homelessness and housing and has increased shelter capacity by 80%:

By The Numbers:

$125 Million spent by Council on Homelessness & Housing in 2024