A new bylaw is coming into effect that limits use in sensitive public areas
A City of Guelph bylaw regarding encampments on city property will come into effect on Oct. 1 after being ratified in a City Council meeting on Sept. 10.
The bylaw was approved by a 10-3 vote in a special council meeting on Aug. 29. Ahead of the meeting, around 50 protestors gathered in front of Guelph City Hall to voice their opposition. The council heard from 43 speakers from the community and reviewed 62 pieces of written correspondence before approving the bylaw. According to a staff presentation from the meeting, the bylaw aims to “make public spaces owned and operated by the City available for everyone.”
Under the bylaw, encampments will be banned in “sensitive public locations,” like splash pads, playgrounds, community gardens, sidewalks, and trails. Additionally, St. George’s Square and Market Square have been designated as sensitive public areas. Temporary shelters are permitted on a time-restricted basis in general public spaces, such as public squares.
Similarly, temporary shelters are permitted in reservable public spaces, such as sports fields and pavilions, when those spaces are not booked for use. Fully permitted locations allow temporary shelters without time restrictions, though according to a Guelph Today article, no more than five shelters may be present at one time.
Additionally, according to the City staff’s presentation, there are no set fines associated with the bylaw. In advance of implementation on Oct. 1, the City will make an interactive Geographic Information System, (GIS), map available to illustrate where encampments are allowed throughout Guelph.
At the same meeting, the council passed a motion to provide up to $450,000 in funding for the Wellington-Guelph Health and Housing Community Planning Table. These funds will be used for the “provision of basic needs for unsheltered individuals in Guelph.” Councillor Erin Caton, who voted against the Public Space Use bylaw, brought forward a second additional motion to develop a plan and budget to provide and maintain essential amenities to Guelph encampments, including portable washrooms and sharps disposals.