Ford plans increased penalties for chronic trespassing, provides extra cash for shelters

The Independent

Ontario is freeing up $44.5 million and tapping into another $31 million to help build more shelter and affordable housing projects.

It’s the Ford government’s response to the growing problem of encampments in Ontario cities. About $25 million will create new shelter spaces. In Lambton County, officials say there are still shelter spaces available each night – a youth shelter in Sarnia is only half full, according to the latest report to council.

The province is also introducing changes to the Trespass to Property Act which will increase penalties for people who deliberately and continually break the law and are likely to re-offend.

It’s also introducing a new law which, if passed, will allow police to stop people from using drugs in public spaces, like parks. Officers could issue a ticket or a rest someone and could face fines of up to $10,000 or up to six months in prison.

“This is going to give them the tools to make sure that people aren’t using illicit drugs, heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, all the heavy drugs and the needles that they’re leaving outside the parks that kids play in. It’s unacceptable, and I don’t know any community that wants encampments in their backyard where their kids go to a park and when there’s needles all over,” said Ford during a news conference Thursday morning.

When asked if the changes to the Trespass to Property Act effectively makes jail an alternative to housing. “We’re not changing any of the penalties currently under the trespass to property act,” responded Ford.

The premier also told reporters the legislation won’t include forced drug treatment.

The new legislation will be introduced at Queen’s Park today however MPPs are heading out on their Christmas break and the legislation won’t be dealt with until the until Feb. 17.

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