Police: 9 arrested as city begins dismantling encampment at Alexandra Park

Toronto police say nine people have been arrested at Alexandra Park this morning as city staff began clearing an encampment at the downtown park today.

In a news release issued Tuesday, the City of Toronto confirmed trespass notices that were issued at the park, located near Dundas and Bathurst streets, on June 12 are being enforced this morning.

The city says there are between 28 and 35 people currently living at the park.

“All individuals experiencing homelessness in this encampment… are being offered safe, indoor space, with access to meals, showers and laundry, harm reduction, physical and mental health supports, and a housing worker,” the city’s news release read.

“Occupants will be given time to pack two bags of belongings to take with them. All other belongings will be collected and stored for up to 30 days for future pickup. There are more than 60 structures on-site, including tents and makeshift structures.”

Toronto police say one person was arrested at the park this morning for public intoxication and seven others were arrested for trespassing. Another person was arrested and released at the scene on an outstanding warrant, police say.

The park will be closed today and the city says Toronto police will be on scene to “ensure the safety of encampment occupants, city workers, and the public.”

“The City remains focused on providing a human services response to encampments and peaceful, voluntary referrals for people sleeping outdoors to safer, indoor accommodation,” the statement continued.

The city came under fire last month for enforcement activities during the dismantling of an encampment at Trinity Bellwoods Park.

On June 22, shelter administration, private security, and police officers, some clad in full riot gear, showed up at the west-end park to remove about 25 people living in tents and other structures.

Protesters also arrived to defend encampment dwellers and three people were later arrested after clashes with police.

Nationally-recognized photojournalist Ian Willms, who was documenting the evictions, was also detained, a move The Canadian Association of Journalists referred to as a “complete overreaction.”

Mayor John Tory defended the city’s enforcement, telling CP24 that the evictions were “mostly peaceful.”

“I stand by what we have done which is a reasonable, firm, but compassionate way of dealing with this where we offer, and we offer, and we offer ways to take people safely indoors to housing, but there does come a time when it comes to camping in parks, which is unsafe and illegal, where you have to take action,” Tory told CP24 last month.

Dozens of police officers could be seen in Alexandra Park this morning, including members of the mounted unit.

Brad Ross, a spokesperson for the City of Toronto, said the role of police is simply to “keep the peace.”

“This is a city-led operation and city staff are working to get people to come inside. The police presence is to ensure that people remain safe and that the peace is kept,” he told CP24 on Tuesday morning.

He added that the encampment has “significantly” impacted the surrounding neighbourhood and noted that a day camp that typically runs at the park each summer had to be cancelled this year as a result.

“We’ve officially closed the park today but for all intents and purposes, the park has not been accessible,” Ross said.

“All parks in the city needs to be accessible and safe for everybody across the city and Alexandra Park is certainly no different.”

Staff Supt. Randy Carter said in total, there are about 100 officers in the area to assist in the eviction.

“We have resources in the background,” he said on Tuesday, adding that many officers are there as a precaution in case things escalate.

“I understand that all of the residents of the encampments have been served notice… This day was not, I don’t think, a surprise to the residents.”

One encampment resident told CP24 that he does not feel safe going to a shelter.

“The shelters are overloaded, the hotels are all overloaded. They are unsafe,” he said on Tuesday. 

“All of this is not necessary. For the city to have their park back? This is the city’s fault why this is all happening.”