New rules on Winnipeg homeless encampments take effect

New rules prohibiting homeless encampments for being set up near multiple places, including pools, schools and daycares, are officially in effect in Winnipeg.

The City of Winnipeg’s new rules regarding the location of homeless encampments are now in effect.

As of Monday, encampments can’t be set up near playgrounds, pools, schools, daycares, care homes, transit shelters, bridges, rail crossings and other sites deemed unsafe.

If an encampment encroaches on one of these areas, a bylaw officer, mobile outreach worker, and members of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service will attend the site.

Those staying at the encampment will be offered support and will be given timelines of when they must leave. The final step involves the site being cleaned up.

More information is available online.

• With files from CTV’s Jeff Keele