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
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.