Toronto, ON – Tensions remain high at Dufferin Grove Park as the City of Toronto prepares to clear one of its last remaining homeless encampments, prompting calls from residents and their supporters for permanent housing solutions rather than temporary shelter placements.
Earlier this week, city staff served trespass notices to those living in the encampment, requiring them to vacate by Tuesday morning. The move drew several dozen supporters to the park to prevent enforcement and to advocate for the rights of the unhoused individuals.
As of Friday, seven people remain at the encampment. They have issued a list of demands that includes permanent housing in one-bedroom apartments with at least 800 square feet of living space. Some residents indicated they may accept co-operative housing, Toronto Community Housing units, or rent-geared-to-income options but emphasized that they want the opportunity to view multiple units before making a decision.
Michael DeForge, a supporter who has been present at the park, criticized the city’s approach, saying that residents have already been through the shelter system without achieving stability. “They get shuffled around the system and then deposited back out on the street. When that happens, they lose their tents, their belongings, and their sense of community. Instead of submitting themselves to this dehumanizing process again, they are choosing to stay until they actually get permanent housing offers,” DeForge said.
City spokesperson Eric Holmes reiterated that the municipality is using a “human-focused” approach. “We started at 56 encampments in February. We’re down to fewer than 15 now,” he said, noting that outreach workers and community partners have been in dialogue with residents since the winter to connect them to shelter and housing options.
The city says it remains committed to finding “safe indoor space” for those living outside, but advocates are calling for systemic change and long-term housing solutions, arguing that shelters alone are not a sustainable answer.