On Friday afternoon, the City of Ottawa, along with police and the Salvation Army, cleared out several homeless tent camps in the ByWard Market area. The first camp was on a small island between the Salvation Army building and an apartment complex on George Street. Police and city workers woke up the tent residents and asked them to leave. After that, workers began clearing out the camps on York and Merry Streets. Many homeless people and Salvation Army workers watched from across the street, looking concerned.

Eileen Leo, communications director at the Ottawa Mission, said clearing out the camps is not the answer: “Nobody chooses to live in a tent. People with addictions end up there because there’s nowhere else to go.” She highlighted the critical shortage of both affordable and supportive housing for those who need more comprehensive care.

Councillor Stephanie Plante (Rideau-Vanier) said her office and the city have received more than 30 complaints of public drug use near the camps in the past two weeks. She said all identified people have been invited to the shelters. “It’s not just about removing tents, but about promoting affordable housing and prevention programs to keep people off the streets.” She added: “When people have their own key, their own room, and their dignity, the outcomes are much better. People don’t just go to the camps — they don’t feel safe in regular shelters.” Ottawa declared a housing and homelessness emergency in January 2020. Leo recalled that the 2024 count showed all shelters, including the Ottawa Mission, at capacity. “There’s not enough housing and supportive housing for people with special needs,” she added. The Ottawa Mission is calling for a “human rights-based approach” to expedite housing solutions, expand community engagement, and provide health care.

Glenn van Gulik, communications manager for the Salvation Army, said its outreach service has expanded and is regularly in contact with homeless people, offering support, referrals to social services, and housing assistance.

Kale Brown, acting director of housing and homelessness for the City of Ottawa, stressed that each situation is assessed individually and decisions to dismantle an encampment are made only after all support options have been exhausted. He said the city has enough shelter space for those who are willing to accept help.