Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his government is introducing a suite of measures to “address and dismantle” encampments around the province, including steep fines for people who use drugs.
The measures will include fines of up to $10,000 and up to six months in prison for people who repeatedly use illegal drugs in parks and public spaces, Ford said.
The province will amend the Trespass to Property Act to “enhance penalties for people deliberately and repeatedly breaking the law,” he added.
Ford said police will have the new tools to direct individuals to stop the use of illegal drugs or to leave the public space.
He said the government will at the same time invest more in housing and Homelessness and Addiction Recovery (HART) hubs.
Some Ontario municipalities have asked Ford to crack down on encampments. Others have said that would be the wrong approach amid a housing and affordability crisis.
More details to come…