|
More Cambridge Encampment Evictions
|
2 days, 3 evictions... |
November 3 & 4, 2025 |
|
Forcing people to leave an encampment site when there are no permanent housing options available, and no emergency shelter spaces available, is a violation of peoples human rights, specifically Section 7 of the Charter, which safeguards the right to life.
Centering police and bylaw in response is not the most effective way to work with people experiencing homelessness. An enforcement-centered response treats homelessness as a criminal issue, rather than the result of inadequate social services, income support, healthcare, and housing affordability. |
This should have been an opportunity to move forward constructively—to rebuild trust, acknowledge harm, and chart a more humane path—but that moment was lost, that chance denied. Why?
|
Grand river conservation authority(GRCA):
Cambridge Encampment Eviction
Eviction completed on November 3, 2025
|
Are these lands considered public or private? Municipal representatives lead the board, yet the actions taken at the site were carried out as though it were private property. |
"A 26-member Board of Directors, also known as the General Membership, oversees the operation of the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA). The board approves policies, programs and budgets." Image is screenshot of GRCA website - click image to view at source.
|
Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA)
"About the GRCA's General Membership
|
|
Always more questions... #FOI anyone?
Which bylaw did the City of Cambridge cite when issuing a bylaw infraction to the GRCA?
Based on my research, it appears that the City issued GRCA a bylaw infraction, which then prompted the eviction notice as served by the GRCA.
As seen below, a notice - I’m unsure whether it was the initial or the only one - was issued by the GRCA in September. To my understanding, at that time the removal was postponed. I’m not certain when the subsequent removal was officially scheduled. I wasn’t aware of it until residents reached out to me while I was in Montreal, letting me know it was taking place.
While I hold no official role that would warrant me being formally notified, I am on occaision aware of these events as they arise. I’m deeply concerned about the apparent lack of communication from enforcement regarding the timing of this action. Many of our local housing peeps were, like myself, in Montreal attending the CAEH conference. It’s difficult to understand why enforcement was scheduled for a time when so many essential support staff were away. Ensuring that these (already inhumane-IMHO) actions take place when services are as available as possible, and able to be prepared, is critical to avoiding adding further unnecessary harm. These situations are already traumatizing enough.
Based on my research, it appears that the City issued GRCA a bylaw infraction, which then prompted the eviction notice as served by the GRCA.
As seen below, a notice - I’m unsure whether it was the initial or the only one - was issued by the GRCA in September. To my understanding, at that time the removal was postponed. I’m not certain when the subsequent removal was officially scheduled. I wasn’t aware of it until residents reached out to me while I was in Montreal, letting me know it was taking place.
While I hold no official role that would warrant me being formally notified, I am on occaision aware of these events as they arise. I’m deeply concerned about the apparent lack of communication from enforcement regarding the timing of this action. Many of our local housing peeps were, like myself, in Montreal attending the CAEH conference. It’s difficult to understand why enforcement was scheduled for a time when so many essential support staff were away. Ensuring that these (already inhumane-IMHO) actions take place when services are as available as possible, and able to be prepared, is critical to avoiding adding further unnecessary harm. These situations are already traumatizing enough.
#Cambridge #Dobetter
Image above is of the eviction notice served by Grand River Conservation Authority to the residents September 18, 2025.
Petition:
|
Who covered the clean-up costs, and what was the total amount expended? My research this week suggests that the City of Cambridge footed the bill for the "site clean-up". How much did this cost the City?
Personal items of encampment residents pictured (above) while being disposed of during site eviction on November 3, 2025 .
Of course, this figure excludes the additional human resource hours contributed - by grassroots, support services, and the individuals themselve - to relocate "elsewhere". It also does not consider the expenses associated with replacing lost or damaged property and personal possessions. Many of the items disposed of, items like tents, tarps, sleeping bags, and other basic survival necessities, are repeatedly supplied by our local resources and community. These items are critical to people’s literal survival, especially with winter upon us.
City of Cambridge Bylaw Officials at GRCA eviction on November 3, 2025
Ward 1: Helen SchweryThis eviction occurred within Ward 1, this ward is represented by Councillor Schwery, who has openly stated that she supports pursuing encampment evictions.
/
This motion is asking staff to write a report just to confirm we aren't evicting people during extreme heat or cold are baseless, because we don't.
/
/
I push for encampment removals
in my ward, but displacement alone is not a solution. /
Councillor Helen Schwery, September 23, 2025 City of Cambridge Council meeting (~3:08:20) Breakdown of Council & Staff Discussion - September 23, 2025 Cambridge Council Meeting |
Continues below...
a MUST watch documentary:Bridging DividesVoices & Visions About Homelessnesss in Mid-Size Cities
|
|
soper park Evictions
(CPKc RAIL & Private property)
November 4, 2025
|
|
Always more questions...
|
|
|
|
