Winnipeg has cleared 12 homeless encampments since November under new bylaws, with outreach efforts to provide housing, though concerns remain about long-term solutions and potential returns.
Winnipeg Clears Homeless Encampments Under New Bylaws
A dozen homeless encampments have been cleared since Winnipeg introduced new bylaws in November. Members of the city’s community services committee learned this on Friday.
Greg MacPherson, the city’s acting community development manager, stated during the committee meeting that encampment co-ordination staff have “actioned” 12 public properties since November 17.
This process included bylaw enforcement and outreach providers meeting with encampment residents to offer housing if needed.
“Once confirmed vacated, we’ve remediated the site through our contractor,” MacPherson added. The city is collaborating with the province’s homeless strategy and outreach providers to find housing for those in need.
The city is addressing “a large number” of sites, and a “substantial amount of debris” has been removed from some locations, he noted.
Community Reactions to Encampment Clearances
Winnipeg resident Billy Jaye lives near the former Mostyn Park encampment, next to the Granite Curling Club in West Broadway. He expressed relief when the camp was cleared last month.
“It’s just better for the neighbourhood,” Jaye said. He compared living near the encampment to being “under siege,” mentioning thefts, fires, and break-ins during that time. He reported having two bikes stolen.
Details of the New Bylaws
The new bylaws, effective in November, restrict where encampments can be located. They are not allowed within 50 metres of schools, playgrounds, daycares, and skating rinks. Encampments are also prohibited within 30 metres of transit shelters, bridges, docks, and similar public facilities.
Camping is banned on public property, including public parks, according to the city’s bylaws.
Housing Support for Former Residents
When the Mostyn Park encampment was cleared last month, the city stated that its partners “were able to link all individuals residing there with housing.”
The city previously mentioned that it offers everyone in an encampment shelter or housing options when the camp is dismantled, but did not specify how many have been housed versus sent to emergency shelters.
In December, the city confirmed that residents of the former Mostyn Park encampment were connected with housing supports.
Concerns About Future Encampments
Shortly after the Mostyn encampment was cleared, some community organizations urged the city to reconsider its new restrictions due to limited permanent housing availability. Some former residents claimed they were not offered housing as camps were dismantled.
On Friday, spokesperson Kalen Qually informed CBC that the city “won’t be publicizing the locations of all of the encampments we’ve remediated.”
The city also cannot disclose how many people have been relocated, as they rely on partners to connect individuals with services and housing, Qually stated.
While Jaye is pleased that Mostyn Park was cleared, he wishes it had happened sooner. “My problem is the timing. Why didn’t you do this in July?” he asked.
He is also concerned that the encampment may return when the snow melts. “What I want to know is what’s going to happen come June?” he questioned. “Is it going to happen again?”
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bylaws Introduced | November | New bylaws limit encampment locations. |
| Encampments Cleared | Since November 17 | 12 public properties cleared. |
| Mostyn Park Encampment Cleared | Last Month | Residents linked with housing. |
| City’s Statement | Friday | Locations of cleared encampments not publicized. |
