Encampments and Homelessness

Housing First: The Proven Solution
Housing, combined with supportive services, has consistently shown to be the most effective solution to homelessness. Providing stable housing gives individuals the foundation they need to rebuild their lives. We are committed to this evidence-based approach, ensuring that those experiencing homelessness have access to programs and shelter while all levels of government work toward options for safe, permanent housing and the necessary support services. Currently, shelter space is available in Niagara, and those living in encampments have been offered the opportunity to relocate to the shelter if they so choose.

Advocacy and Collaboration
Addressing homelessness requires a unified effort across all levels of government. We advocate for a collaborative, all-hands-on-deck approach involving regional, provincial, and federal governments. We must collaborate to allocate resources, share best practices, and develop comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of homelessness. In Niagara, the Region’s Homelessness Services and Community Engagement division supports homelessness services by working with and funding local service providers to address the needs of Niagara’s most vulnerable residents. As a lower-tier municipality, we work closely with the Region to realize this division’s and our community’s goals and objectives.

Our Commitment
The City of Welland is dedicated to creating a compassionate and supportive environment for all residents. We are actively working on initiatives to increase access to housing and services for those experiencing homelessness. By focusing on proven solutions and fostering collaboration across all levels of government, we are committed to making a lasting impact. It is not easy, and it is not expedient, but we continue to move forward with our partners to address the issue of encampments and ensure that every resident has the opportunity to thrive.

1. What are homeless encampments?
   1. A homeless encampment is a place where people live unsheltered, often in tents, shanties, and/or tarps.

2. What is the City of Welland doing to address encampments and homelessness?
   1. As a lower-tier municipality, the City of Welland is not mandated to provide social services for homelessness, housing, and shelter; these responsibilities belong to the Niagara Region. However, our commitment to working alongside the Region to support and ensure the community has access to programs and services related to housing and homelessness is unwavering.

      Below is a summary of some of the steps the City has taken to support its unsheltered population:

      City staff play an active role in two groups: the Homelessness Working Group which focuses on housing solutions and supports, meeting monthly, and the Encampment Task Force, focusing on addressing encampments and meeting weekly. This taskforce includes the homelessness task force, meeting regularly with members of the Niagara Region, Niagara Regional Police, Hope Centre, and Niagara Assertive Street Outreach. This active involvement ensures that the City's voice is heard and its efforts are coordinated. Since 2023, the City has provided funding for temporary emergency homeless shelters.

      In 2024, Council approved leasing 851 Ontario Road as the location for a year-round, 24/7, housing-focused homeless shelter to Niagara Regional Housing.

      Annually, City officials attend the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference, where they can meet with provincial ministers to discuss municipal challenges. For the past several years, the City has strongly advocated to the provincial government for more support around affordable housing, addiction, and mental health. Recently, Mayor Frank Campion introduced a notice of motion for Council to support and endorse the Solve the Crisis Project put forward by Ontario’s Big City Mayors. These efforts give us hope for positive change.

3. Why aren’t encampments disassembled immediately?
   1. Many municipalities across Canada have been legally challenged in courts for removing encampments on public property without ensuring the inhabitants’ human right to shelter and unique needs are being met. Court rulings such as the Waterloo Encampment Decision - Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (omssa.com) have set precedent for how and when a city can remove encampments within parks and on public property.

      City staff work closely with NASO, the Niagara Region, and other community partners to ensure the unique needs of each individual living unsheltered are supported. No situation or individual are the same. Some individuals are more receptive to services than others and individuals have the right to refuse services under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

      Time and patience are required to:
      • Build relationships and trust between individuals living rough and outreach workers
      • Find a proper shelter or housing solution that meets the needs of individuals (for example, youth, women, families, addiction services) Note: Shelter spaces are typically limited or full
      • Notify individuals that cleanup efforts will be taking place
      Additionally, not all encampments are on City property. Some encampments are on private property such as Ontario Power Generation (OPG) or Ministry of Transportation (MTO) lands, or vacant land which requires coordination with landowners. Private landowners must arrange for removal and cleanup of encampments on their property.

4. What do I do if I’m concerned about an encampment?
   1. We ask residents to call 211 to connect with Niagara Assertive Street Outreach (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.

      The process is simple:
      Call 211
      Ask to be directed to Niagara Assertive Street Outreach (NASO)
      211 will transfer your call to a voicemail box that is immediately dispatched to the NASO team to coordinate and take appropriate action. Messages can be left 24 hours a day, seven days a week
      Leave a voicemail with the following details:
      Reason for calling (for example, I’m calling to report an encampment or someone living unsheltered)
      Location of individuals (including address, intersection, and landmarks)
      Description of individuals (if available)
      General concerns
      A name and number where you can be reached in case NASO has more questions

5. What happens after I report an encampment to 211?
   1. Trained outreach workers from NASO attend the encampment site and respond directly to an individual’s unique needs by bringing coordinated services from across the homeless-serving system to the individual. Outreach workers help them transition to safer and appropriate accommodations.

      An encampment site is only scheduled to be cleaned once everyone at that location has been assessed, offered safe and appropriate indoor space (when available), and notice has been provided to give people time to collect their belongings.

6. What do I do if I witness illegal activity or a crime?
   1. If it is an emergency, call 911. To report a crime that is NOT an emergency, contact the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) at 905-688-4111 or toll-free at 1-888-668-3911. You can also report a crime online via the NRPS website.

      Regardless of the crime, it is important to report any illegal activity to NRPS. This assists in identifying areas requiring police services and aids in investigating ongoing or repeat crime.

      It is important to remember that not all individuals living unsheltered commit crimes or are addicted to substances.