The shovels were out in the Hammer.
Hamilton police say a male was arrested after he allegedly dug several holes and tunnels in order to provide electricity to tents that were part of a homeless encampment at Gage Park in the city’s east end.
Offices discovered the elaborate set up during a proactive patrol of the encampment on Dec. 9.
While on site, officers initially found a six-foot-deep hole, and later discovered a series of tunnels that had ben dug out of the surrounding soil.
In a release, Hamilton police said the tunnels were dug to “allow for extension cords and other electrical wiring to connect to multiple tents in this location.”
The chords all led to a generator that had been buried for concealment. Investigators say the generator had been connected to a City of Hamilton light pole, essentially stealing the electricity.
An investigation was launched and determined that a lone male was responsible for the operation.
He was arrested following a brief foot chase and charged with mischief over $5,000, fail to comply with a probation order, and the possession fentanyl, meth, and hydromorphone for the purpose of trafficking.
“Due to safety concerns, the remaining tents within the location were relocated and the holes have been fenced off until the city makes the necessary repairs to the ground,” Hamilton police said in a release.