Stratford is trying to quash rumors that encampment residents were booted from city property. “Recently, there were some misleading posts and comments on Facebook suggesting that the City of Stratford is clearing out the encampment near the transit terminal and ‘evicting’ individuals staying there,” they said in Friday’s media release. “This is completely untrue. The encampment is not being cleared out, and nobody is being evicted.” The Facebook post in question has been taken down. The city said they were at the site checking on the wellbeing of residents, suggesting alternative housing and support options, identifying any potential hazards and offering to remove damaged or unused items. “Yesterday (Thursday), city staff brought in a loader to help clean up some items at the encampment that were damaged by recent rainstorms or no longer needed. This was done with the co-operation, support, and the consent of individuals at the encampment,” they wrote. “What we are doing is working with individuals, every day, to provide them with the supports they need, and to help them find safe, suitable and permanent housing, while keeping neighbourhood and community safety as a priority. And we’re trying to do that in a way that’s respectful of people’s privacy and dignity.” The city also acknowledged the public’s interest. “We do understand and appreciate everyone’s concern for those experiencing homelessness in our community,” the release said. “Please know that we share that concern.”
