A violent assault Tuesday morning at a homeless encampment in St. Thomas has triggered quick action to shut down the site on the former Victor Dana property behind Memorial Arena.
A resident of the encampment was assaulted with weapons and taken to hospital.
St. Thomas Police Service corporate communication coordinator Samantha Wakefield updates myFM on the status of the injured male.
Wednesday morning the city, with support from other community services, began dismantling a fortified structure on the large tract of land east of the Port Stanley Terminal Rail tracks.
At a city council meeting in June of 2021, St. Thomas Police voiced concerns about homeless encampments on the property.
Wakefield says the encampment, which was significant in size. was being monitored prior to Tuesday’s assault.
Police Chief Marc Roskamp advised stolen property was recovered on the site with the hope it can be returned to the owners.
He added, the camp offered “zero opportunity for moving out of homelessness.”
Wakefield noted a compassionate approach was taken when dealing with the displaced individuals.
She added seven individuals were at the site as the encampment was being dismantled.
Heather Sheridan, director of St. Thomas-Elgin Social Services assured, “individuals impacted by today’s activities have been offered and received assistance and support.”
She stressed affordable and supportive housing is the solution to ending homelessness.
