City to put security cameras in John Rebecca Park to address encampment concerns

The city's public works committee has unanimously voted to install security cameras in John Rebecca Park to try and address concerns about an encampment there.

John Rebecca Park has been home to some people experiencing homelessness, which has created tensions between encampment residents, some people in nearby buildings and neighbouring businesses. 

Ward 2 Coun. Jason Farr introduced the motion Wednesday, saying the cameras would mitigate crime and vandalism, while also providing more safety for city workers who need a police escort to enter the park.

"Right now, kids are not splashing around, families are staying clear and adjacent business operators are both mystified and horrified," Farr told CBC Hamilton in an email, adding that cameras are just one of many potential steps to address the issues.

He said during the meeting it wouldn't cost more than $35,000 and there would be an assessment on how people's privacy may be impacted before the cameras are installed.

Ward 6 Coun. Tom Jackson seconded the motion, saying what's gone on in the park is "atrocious."

He said he previously helped get cameras installed at Fay Rink Park and Lisgar Park to prevent vandalism and found success, though he noted the vandalism didn't seem to be the product of an encampment.

All other councillors present — Esther Pauls, John-Paul Danko, Maria Pearson, Russ Powers, Arlene VanderBeek and Nrinder Nann — voted in support of the motion.

Tensions with neighbours 

Some people living and working in the neighbourhood surrounding John Rebecca Park have voiced what they feel are safety concerns related to the encampment.

Paul McDonald, manager of the Dirty Dog Saloon and Club 77, both of which sit directly beside the park, previously said he's beefed up security to keep patrons from interacting with people in the park.

"There's a concern from us that the 19-year-olds, the patrons, our staff, they're all vulnerable to… walking themselves into a violent situation, because you don't know what may happen if you walk through the park," he said.

McDonald said that an encampment resident recently attempted to assault him when staff were preparing to open the bar for the night.

"These incidents, they happen on a regular basis for us," he said.

John Rebecca Park was established after locals complained about the violence at Club 77, which included a fatal shooting, sexual assaults and physical fights in the club.

A Hamilton man who lives in the encampment and identified himself to CBC Hamilton as Jay said he stays in the park because it's across the street from Wesley Urban Ministries, which offer people basic necessities and medical services. 

Questions about security camera's effectiveness 

Farr received criticism from candidates running for Ward 2 city councillor.

Candidate Cameron Kroetsch said installing cameras isn't going to solve the problem. 

"Surveillance cameras are just another means of criminalizing our homeless neighbours," he said, and added that the cameras are an attempt by Farr, who is president of CityHousing Hamilton board, to distract from addressing the root causes of homelessness. 

Kroetsch said the real solution is to provide affordable housing and adequate mental health support. 

Fellow Ward 2 candidate Raquel Rakovac said she has questions about who will watch the cameras once they are installed, and whether it will lead to over policing.

"Continuing to criminalize those in poverty will only continue to divide our community," Rakovac said, and added that Hamilton city council should look at Kitchener's 'A Better Tent City' program, which provides tiny homes for residents experiencing homelessness. 

Claire Bodkin, a family doctor who has worked directly with some of the residents in John Rebecca Park, echoed concerns from Kroetsch and Rakovac.

"Our efforts and tax dollars should be going toward real safety and real community, not further harassment of those already targeted by malicious bylaws," she said. 

"Every single day I work with patients who want to have a safe, accessible, affordable place to live and who are not offered this by the city."

Tim O'Shea, another Hamilton physician who cares for patients experiencing homelessness, said it's important to include encampment residents in conversations about safety.

"I could see both sides of that, because I know people living in encampments ... have concerns about their own safety, so I don't know if they would feel protected by an intervention like that," O'Shea said.

"The issue is that there's not safe, stable, affordable places for people in encampments to live."