At its height in the spring of 2023, the encampment reached almost 100 tents.I started the Allan Gardens Task Force, a team designed to limit the growth of the encampment and bring its vulnerable occupants indoors. For the last 450 days, the encampment team has connected people to shelter accommodations and housing. During this period, outreach staff managed to permanently house 98 people living in Allan Gardens, and helped a further 433 individuals connect with indoor shelter accommodations. This tremendous work shows that the City can be successful in moving individuals from encampments into shelter and housing.
Today, the encampment team began wrapping up operations in Allan Gardens in adherence with the Interdivisional Protocol for Encampments that was approved by City Council earlier this year. Nine people remain as of 8:00am this morning and they all have been offered housing support. Unfortunately, despite significant effort and over 450+ days of engagement at Allan Gardens, there remain approximately two people who are unwilling to accept alternative accommodations offered by the City. Staff continue to offer housing to these individuals, but have unfortunately taken the steps to trespass them to allow the encampment to fully wind down.
Enforcement is the absolute last resort for outreach teams working to connect the vulnerable and the unhoused with indoor shelter or housing. It is not an action the City takes lightly and one that is taken only after all other avenues are exhausted. Those that recall encampment clearings in 2021 may remember the intense public backlash that followed the clearing of encampments like Trinity Bellwood and Lamport Stadium Parks which led to an Ombusman Report that led to the current protocol. Enforcement in 2024 now involves a referral to an indoor space, on-site support services, free transportation off-site, and an offer to store belongings for those who accept an indoor space referral.
Encampments are a complex issue. They are a result of housing unaffordability, an overcrowded and under-funded shelter system, and exacerbated by the mental health and addictions crisis. Despite the City’s best efforts to increase access to shelters and build more affordable housing, these systemic issues persist. We are committed to continuing to reevaluate our strategies to address these root causes through our 2020-2030 Housing Action Plan. This past year, my Council colleagues and I passed the item EX9.3 - Generational Transformation of Toronto’s Housing System to Urgently Build More Affordable Homes which will strengthen Toronto’s housing system by building more homes faster and increasing housing affordability.
However, the City of Toronto cannot combat these problems alone. The housing and homelessness crisis extends far beyond municipal boundaries, and the need for action is urgent. I call on both the provincial and federal governments to join us in addressing this regional challenge. It is imperative to recognize that these issues demand more than just City resources and solutions—they require collaborative, multi-level governmental commitment and action to deliver long-term, sustainable solutions to this crisis.
I want to thank the Allan Gardens Task Force, the Encampment office, Streets to Homes and the Parks, Forestry and Recreation team for all the work they have done on this file. I also want to extend my gratitude to the residents of Ward 13 and the Garden District for their patience and understanding throughout this challenging process. Your support has been invaluable in the successful resolution of the Allan Gardens encampment.
I especially want to acknowledge Mary Hassan, a constituency assistant in my office, who has been the lead on this file since day one. This work required her to not only stay on top of City staff, but to be the point person to respond both to residents and traumatic incidents within the park. You cannot do this work without carrying pieces of the anger, suffering and trauma from files like this home with you. If you have ever interacted with Mary and are satisfied with this outcome, please send her a kind message.
