On April 29, 2025, City Council approved a Public Space Use By-Law. This new bylaw regulates encroachments and temporary shelters (such as encampments) on City property. The by-law balances the rights of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness with the responsibility to maintain safe, accessible, inclusive and equitable use of public spaces for all members of the public.
The by-law does not ban encampments. Instead, it introduces regulations and clear expectations within encampments and where encampments can be setup. The intent is balancing various uses of public space, including safe use by those living in or accessing an encampment and areas nearby.
Some of these conditions include:
- That temporary structures must be a certain distance from residential spaces, parks, playgrounds, sports fields, splash pads, schools, cemeteries and trails to ensure safe access for other community members;
- That temporary structures must be a certain distance from railways and waterways to minimize risk for those living unsheltered;
- Regulations to address health and safety issues such as fires, the use and storage of propane tanks, size and spacing of structures, biohazards, waste and to discourage illegal activity;
- Preventing misuse of municipal electricity, water, and other infrastructure for safety and service continuity.
The goal is to ensure health and safety issues are promptly addressed and continuing to work with community partners to encourage those impacted to move into safe, stable and housing-focused sheltering options that can accommodate their needs.
Encampments are often an indication of systemic challenges such as lack of affordable housing, mental health supports, and addiction services, which are beyond the jurisdiction of the City. To ensure we best support individuals living unhoused, we will continue to ensure that community organizations with responsibility for outreach and homelessness services, such as with Niagara Region Homelessness Services and Niagara Assertive Street Outreach team (NASO), remain an important part of this process.
We ask residents to call 211 to connect with NASO. Trained outreach workers actively engage with individuals experiencing homelessness to promote, connect, and coordinate access to a range of supports available across Niagara's Homeless-Serving System, including emergency shelter, housing and support services.
Please note, when calling 211 ask to be directed to NASO and you will be transferred to a voicemail box that is immediately dispatched to the outreach team. Provide complete details, including location, any descriptions of individuals, and any other general information or concerns, as well as any contact information should NASO require any follow-up information.
Learn more about housing, homelessness and encampments.
FAQ
| Is the City going to fine unsheltered individuals? |
| The City has no intention to fine individuals living unsheltered. That is not the goal of the by-law. We recognize that homelessness is a complex social issue that requires thought out, long-term solutions, not punitive measures. However, we hope residents can understand that homelessness services are not a City mandate. Those mandate, funds, staffing and expertise lies with the Niagara Region. |
| How was the by-law drafted? |
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This by-law has been shaped by ongoing communication with the Niagara Region Homelessness Services input, legal guidance, and a firm commitment to balancing individual rights with public safety. Those conversations included expanded opportunities provided by the Niagara Region Homelessness Services to support individuals living in encampments. Here are some of the dedicated services and programs:
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