Share your feedback on designated encampments - Public Feedback
Welcome to the City of Thunder Bay's survey on the possibility of designated encampment locations. We want to hear from you about an important question – should the City of Thunder Bay choose specific areas on City-owned land for designated encampment locations?
Why are we asking?
In April 2023, Council ratified a decision to address unsheltered homelessness from a human rights-based approach, outlined in Corporate Report 157-2023: Response to Unsheltered Homelessness – A Protocol for the City of Thunder Bay and City of Thunder Bay Encampment Response Protocol Flowchart (see Documents).
Council also directed staff to gather information on how a variety of groups, including the general public, feel about designated encampment locations. This survey is gathering that information.
What's happening now?
The current emergency shelter system cannot fit everyone living in encampments and there is not enough housing stock for individuals experiencing homelessness. The true solution is more housing options, and although there is progress in this area, building takes time. Until then, encampments will likely continue to be a reality. In recognition of this, the City has developed a response to unsheltered homelessness.
The City’s response follows guidance from important human rights documents and a legal decision from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (see Important Links). This decision affects all municipalities in Ontario, finding that evicting encampment residents without offering truly accessible shelter spaces violates their rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
What is the City of Thunder Bay's role?
The City is not a housing provider and does not provide direct services to encampment residents. However, we play a key coordinating role in our community’s response because most encampments are on City-owned lands. The City does help with garbage collection, access to portable toilets, and has provided funding to outside organizations for their outreach efforts with encampments.
What are designated encampment locations?
Generally, designated encampment locations describe areas where encampments are officially allowed. They are temporary and not permanent solutions. Sometimes but not always, designated encampment locations receive a variety of supports and services. People cannot be forced to stay at designated encampment locations.
We want to hear from you!
Your participation in the below survey is important. Thank you for your time and thoughtful responses.
We encourage you to download and share our Survey Poster (listed in the Documents section) to help raise awareness about this important survey.
