Park Encampments Cleared; George Hislop Park Closed

In early June, the encampment at Barbara Hall Park was cleared, with individuals offered assistance in moving to much safer and fully serviced accommodations. 

The encampment at George Hislop Park was more challenging. While the City had successfully relocated some people to better accommodations, more tents would soon appear to replace those that had been vacated. 

Some Charles Street residents grew so frustrated that a single-purpose community group was founded, the Charles Area Network Alliance (CAN Alliance). The CAN Alliance undertook a media campaign and lobbied Mayor Tory, who appeared for an inspection in late June. 

People living in George Hislop Park were relocated to supportive housing in early July and the park was completely fenced off at Charles and Isabella Streets. The reasons the City has given for closing the park is for "sod and irrigation improvements."   ​The park will eventually be completely renovated, which would mean it could be inaccessible for up to three years.  

Previously posted:
 - Progress on Park Encampments ;  
-  City Grapples with COVID-19 Homelessness and Encampments