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Camping by-law to be enforced this afternoon at City Hall

'While the City respects people’s right to protest, its primary concern is the well-being of those in the encampment while balancing its responsibility to maintain public health and safety.'
BayToday Staff

There are reports of protesting outside North Bay City Hall after by-law enforcement posted a notice indicating the encampment outside the municipal buildings must come down today.

The encampment has grown considerably over nearly two weeks on City of North Bay property, abutting the public library and McIntyre Street East.

Find below a release from the City: 

The City of North Bay provided notice this morning to those encamped outside City Hall that it will be enforcing its bylaw prohibiting camping on the
property.

This comes following consultation with community partners including the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board, Crisis Centre North Bay, Low Income People Involvement of Nipissing (LIPI), North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, North Bay Police Service, Nipissing Mental Health Housing and Support Services, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit and North Bay Regional Health Centre.

The City has been working with social services and other community agencies for more than a week to achieve voluntary compliance and to inform those in the encampment of shelter options and other assistance available to them.

While the City respects people’s right to protest, its primary concern is the well-being of those in the encampment while balancing its responsibility to maintain public health and safety. As the encampment has expanded, so have the risks associated with the personal security of the individuals on site, propane tanks, generators, open flames, sanitation and cold weather.

All those staying in the encampment are welcome to return daily to City Hall to protest and advocate for better housing and system improvements. The City is asking for the co-operation of those in the encampment so that we can collectively work together to help people experiencing homelessness find safer housing options.

An outreach team consisting of staff from social services agencies will be on site today to connect individuals to housing and support services. Those who would like assistance will be offered warm shelter with support services and a safe place to store their belongings.

BayToday will update this story.