Hamilton clears encampments after repealing camping protocol

The City of Hamilton has cleared over a dozen encampments from public property this week after repealing a previous protocol that allowed them. The new enforcement follows a council vote in January and a bylaw prohibiting camping in city parks. Previously, the city had an encampment protocol that permitted outdoor shelters under specific conditions. This protocol was rescinded on March 6, leading to the current enforcement actions by municipal law enforcement and police. The council's decision aligns with a broader push from the provincial government to clear encampments. A legal appeal regarding the eviction of encampment residents is pending, with hopes for a hearing this fall.