Encampment under the overpass in Timmins cleared out again
The City of Timmins sent in crews to clean up the encampment area under the overpass on Algonquin Boulevard on Friday morning.
Things like mattresses, shopping carts and debris have been accumulating in the area over the summer.
The mayor issued a statement this week to let people know she is committed to finding a solution.
“I’d really like to make clear that the fact that people in the City of Timmins, their voices have been heard," said Kristin Murray.
Officials said about around 10 people have been sleeping off and on in the area. CTV News first reported on the encampment in August. This is the second time people have been relocated since then.
“All the members under the bridge were Indigenous and they were looking to care for each other," said Jeremiah Sparks, coordinator of the Fire Keeper program for Mushkegowuk Council.
"There’s people on the far side of the bridge -- on the Tim Hortons side -- that were just there. They have places to go but they were there looking after their community members, their family, their friends to ensure they’re OK."
Timmins police were also on scene but it was Sparks and employees from Living Space who communicated with the people.
“We have a group of community partners that we do deal with and together we’re finding these folks homes, places to stay, giving them treatment for anything that they require treatment for," said Sgt. Robin Carter of the Timmins Police Service.
Murray and Sparks said sustainable housing and racism are two of the biggest obstacles people without a place to live are trying to overcome.
“What does housing look like in our community? And since I’ve been the mayor everyone has stopped me and asked those tough questions and they're tough questions to ask, absolutely, but I’m here about ... really engaging people within all of Ontario to build in Timmins," said Murray.
“The racism issue is real and we’re hoping that we can provide you know solutions, education and understanding. And that’s what we’re asking for at this time," added Sparks.
City and police officials said the area will continue to be monitored.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
These snakes not only fake their own deaths, they use gory special effects to do it
Awards season may be over for human actors this year, but there’s no rest for some of nature’s most audacious thespians.