'Crime Scenes': Timmins city council to review bylaws around enforcement and encampments

Timmins City Council says it will review its bylaws and enforcement tools in an effort to address growing concerns about public drug use and encampments.

The move follows a unanimous vote last month in favour of proposed amendments to Ontario's Trespass to Property Act and new legislation addressing these issues. Premier Doug Ford's government introduced the legislative changes on Dec. 12, intending to give municipalities stronger enforcement tools and to increase penalties for offenders.

The proposed Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act, 2024 explicitly bans public drug use. Officers will be able to issue tickets or make arrests for non-compliance.

Amendments to the Trespass to Property Act would give municipalities and police more authority to act decisively against trespassers in encampments.

Ford wrote in a public statement that there would be more penalties for those who "deliberately and continually break the law," plus new "approaches to treatment and rehabilitation. " 

He also emphasized increased funding for shelter spaces and greater accountability for shelter service managers.

"There's growing frustration in the community, and I think rightfully so," said Timmins Mayor Michelle Boileau.

The amendments provide municipalities and police with stronger tools to enforce regulations around encampments and public drug use, explained Boileau.

"It's no secret that municipalities have been feeling like they are left to deal with a lot of social issues, matters of disorder in our communities and we've been left to deal with them on our own. We've been calling on the province to do something and this is what's being proposed now," said Boileau.

Timmins City Council also plans to establish alternative temporary shelters by March, aligning with provincial expectations for addressing encampments.

Mayor Boileau noted the city's commitment to ensuring suitable alternatives for unhoused individuals. 

"It's important to not only be talking about enforcement, talking about punitive measures. But at the same time, we also have to make sure that increasing access to the support and services that people require is also a part of the conversation."

City councillor Bill Gvozdanovic expressed support for stronger enforcement.

"I would prefer to have those encampments taken down. We have lots of shelter space, and we should have taken those down four months ago," he said. 

He described encampments as unsafe and illegal, calling them "crime scenes" where drug use and exploitation often occur. "The saddest part is the exploitation of women," Gvozdanovic said.

Gvozdanovic also addressed concerns about enforcement, noting that Timmins' shelters are seasonal.

"We spend two million dollars a year on a shelter to have people have a roof over their head," he said. "Why would we want people living in a tent? They're seasonal anyway because it's freezing out here. We just had a wet snowstorm. You can't stay in a tent. That's the most inhumane thing we can do to people," he said.

A draft legal opinion on Timmins' encampment-related bylaws and a list of potential sites for temporary shelters will be presented to council early in the new year.

The Timmins resolution will be shared with Premier Ford, MPP George Pirie, Solicitor General Michael Kerzner and the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities.

Mayor Boileau also stressed the need for collaboration with provincial and federal governments.

"There are plans for a Wellness Centre of Excellence here in the City of Timmins. That's what community partners are working toward, to offer enhanced access to support and services."

Ford said he does not intend to invoke the notwithstanding clause, but said he is prepared to do so if necessary to counter potential court challenges.

The Ontario legislature is adjourned until March 3, so the proposed changes cannot take effect until then.