Camping, Dwelling and Lodging in Streets Clause §743-12 as found in the draft by-law attached to Item PW 5.4 proposes to prohibit camping, dwelling or lodging in a street without the approval of the General Manager. The intent of this clause is a general statement indicating that such activity is not encouraged in publ...ic rights-of-way due to the inherent risk to persons and property that can result from this encroachment. Through the consultation process, this provision was subject of notable interest, and a number of individuals stated that the clause should be removed. In their opinion, the clause is both unnecessary and an instrument to be used against the homeless, despite the fact that Article XVIII of the amendments states that removing such an encroachment would still require fourteen days advance notice. Similar to the existing by-laws, “obstructing” or “encumbering” a street would be prohibited under § 743-9A of the proposed amendments. The existing provision is currently used in conjunction with the Interdepartmental Protocol for Homeless People Camping in Public Spaces, which has been in place since 2005. This protocol has been used successfully over the past six years, and has proven that providing a coordinated outreach and social service approach is a more effective response than relying solely on enforcement. The protocol outlines how Shelter, Support and Housing Administration coordinates closely with other City Divisions, such as Transportation Services, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and Facilities Management, to provide outreach services to homeless individuals before starting any enforcement activities related to public spaces, such as removing unauthorized structures, persons, personal goods and debris. Individual are offered assistance, as required, to access: health, mental health, addiction and family reunification services; income support; housing and supportive housing options; and, shelter and outreach services. In most circumstances, given the appropriate outreach and support over time, individuals are assisted to secure better alternatives than sleeping outside and will voluntarily vacate public spaces, making enforcement unnecessary. Where enforcement is necessary, activities are coordinated between City Divisions to ensure the safety of staff and individuals still at the site. From a Transportation Services perspective, the lack of such a clause does not materially affect or alter how we currently deal with these types of encroachments. In view of the foregoing, the clause is recommended for removal at this time. Its elimination does not affect the rest of the document.