Anger mounts as by-law officers, police dismantle Hamilton encampment

Hamilton police along with by-law enforcement officers were in Hamilton’s largest tent encampment Wednesday afternoon moving people and their belongings.

Anger mounted during the afternoon as law enforcement officials cracked down on residents at the encampment.

For days, eviction has been looming after notices were served last week.

“Why don’t you worry about the guns on our streets,” said one resident at the encampment, who then swore at officers.

Over a dozen police officers, by-law officials and city workers surrounded the park at the corner of Simcoe and Wellington Streets and began forcing residents out.

“They’re escorting everyone out, and if you’re not at your tent, they’re going to immediately throw everything that’s what they’re doing right now,” said another resident at the encampment. “We don’t know where we’re going and it’s not fair to us, because we’re homeless and we don’t know what’s our next game plan.”

Officials arrived at around 10 a.m. and circulated trespassing notices yet again.

WATCH MORE: Hamilton police return to north end encampment after trespass notices issued

Slowly throughout the day, city workers dragged out load after load, but by noon, things erupted after law enforcement regrouped and sought compliance.

The many who have been calling the park home got frustrated, with some saying “where are we supposed to go?”

“One thing that’s important to note is, the community that surrounds the Simcoe leash-free dog park has put in complaints to the City of Hamilton and Hamilton police and safety concerns are our concern,” said Insp. Frank Miscione with Hamilton police.

“Those things include open drug use, public drug use — we made an arrest yesterday for a person in possession of methamphetamine as well as thefts, vandalism, mischief, and other disorderly conduct that’s causing great concern for the community that lives nearby.”

Police say they do not intend to make arrests, and instead are taking a housing-first approach, but many of the residents maintain that they don’t want to leave.

“By-laws telling us it’s an immediate pack-up and move, but I’m not moving, and neither is anyone else,” said Shawn Cook, who lives in the encampment.

“They want me to pack up and leave, well I got news for them, I’m not going anywhere,” said John, someone who lives in the encampment.

Officials say the enforcement will continue until the park is cleared.

WATCH MORE: Hamilton encampment residents frustrated with endless eviction cycle