Brockville Police Response to Community Homeless Encampments

Brockville – There has been considerable public discussion and concern regarding the police response to encampments involving members of our community’s unhoused population. Unfortunately, much of this discourse includes misinformation and misunderstandings.

It is important to clarify the role of the Brockville Police Service in these situations to ensure transparency and public understanding.

The Brockville Police Service does not initiate or independently engage in the closure of encampments. Our involvement begins only when a property owner or manager formally requests assistance in enforcing the Trespass to Property Act.

In these cases, our primary responsibility is to promote safety and maintain peace, with the shared goal of ensuring compliance with applicable laws and legislation. We approach these situations with careful consideration, aiming to act most appropriately and humanely as possible.

Currently, we are responding to two such requests for assistance: one concerning the area near the Salvation Army on First Avenue, and another involving property owned by Career Services on Hubbell Street.

In both cases, the Brockville Police Service is working collaboratively with various community partners to ensure support is provided to the individuals occupying these encampments.

When an encampment closure is necessary, occupants are given clear communication regarding a reasonable timeline to vacate the property and remove any personal belongings.

In the present circumstances, individuals have been provided with a multi-week timeline, during which outreach efforts are conducted multiple times each week to offer assistance and resources—despite the limited availability of those resources.

Unfortunately, this challenge is not unique to Brockville, but is shared by communities across the province and country.

To develop a constructive and compassionate path forward, a recent meeting was held with representatives from several community organizations, including Career Services, The Salvation Army, United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, the John Howard Society, the City of Brockville, CN Police Service, and the Brockville Police Service.

All agencies involved are committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of encampment occupants, property owners, and the broader Brockville community.

While police presence is often required during encampment closures to maintain safety and enforce the law, it is not a role we seek. However, given the nature of these situations, there are limited alternatives for ensuring a safe and lawful resolution.

Our officers remain dedicated to acting with professionalism, compassion, and respect whenever called upon to assist.