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
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A man was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.