Toronto city crews cleared an encampment of about 15 people in George Hislop Park on Monday, prompting concerns from advocates about displacing unhoused residents at the start of winter. Greg Cook of Sanctuary Ministries, located beside the park, said the removal was emotionally devastating and forced people to pack up in freezing temperatures. About 10 residents accepted shelter referrals, while five declined, leaving them to find new, often less safe locations. Cook emphasized that no one was offered housing and that people are being “shoved around the city.”
The city said residents were given notice in late October and formal clearance notice on Nov. 10 due to ongoing safety issues affecting both encampment occupants and neighbours. Officials noted that all residents were offered shelter spaces, information on services, and storage for belongings. The park has been fenced off for winterizing its irrigation system, and the city says outreach teams have supported residents since early September.
Cook argued that the displacement highlights deep gaps in Toronto’s winter homelessness plan, with city data showing an average of 154 people turned away from shelters nightly in October. Sanctuary is also facing a $2.3-million lawsuit from a nearby condo alleging unsafe conditions. As of Friday night, more than 9,000 people were using Toronto’s shelter system, with nearly 9,600 experiencing homelessness in recent months.
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