Temporary Encampment Site Undergoing Property Maintenance
/Property maintenance, including garbage removal, will occur at the temporary encampment site at Aylmer and Wolfe Streets on Wednesday, announced by the City.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Peterborough Blogs
Peterborough Fire Services Extinguishes Wolfe Street Tent Fire
/Peterborough Fire Services aided someone out of a fiery tent on a property on Wolfe Street, east of Aylmer Street, on Sunday.
Peterborough Fire Services have responded to fires at the Wolfe Street tenting site eight times in the last four weeks. File photo.
Fire Services originally responded for a possible fire and found a campfire under a tarped enclosure. While extinguishing the campfire, firefighters saw a tent with a person inside that began to ignite. Firefighters and a pedestrian alerted the occupant and helped them get out. The fire was immediately extinguished shortly after. Peterborough Paramedics assessed the individual and did not go to the hospital as a result of the incident.
Tenting and open-air burning is prohibited on City property except where permitted in Beavermead Campground according to the City of Peterborough. In the winter, health and safety concerns are heightened with exposure to extreme cold and the increased risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning from unsafe heating sources.
Social Services outreach workers regularly reach anyone who are experiencing homelessness and who are tenting to offer assistance with accessing available shelter and housing services.
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Victoria Park To Close Effective August 27th, Will Re-Open After Encampment Is Gone & Grounds Cleaned Up
/The City of Peterborough has announced that Victoria Park will be closed effective Tuesday, August 27 at 9 a.m. (the “Effective Date”).
“Entry into the park is prohibited during the closure,” the City of Peterborough says in a release. “Anyone who is encamped in the park must remove their items and leave the park before the Effective Date. Anyone in the park after the Effective Date is trespassing.”
Peterborough County, in consultation with the City of Peterborough, decided to close Victoria Park because conditions in the Tent City there have deteriorated to the point where it is not suitable for the shared use of the public.
“There are numerous and continuing failures to comply with the requirements of the Parks and Facilities By-Law that established minimum standards for the shared use of public parks and protection of the natural environment,” according to the release.
Victoria Park will re-open after the encampment is gone and the grounds have been restored.
Outreach workers, wearing yellow t-shirts, are regularly available on site in Victoria Park for people who need assistance. Social Services can be reached at 705-748-8830 or in-person at 178 Charlotte St.
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City Of Peterborough Issues Release Regarding Weather Forecast & Wellbeing Of Those Living In Tent City
/The City of Peterborough, which is looking for a new space for overflow shelter beds in the city, has issued a release regarding the 7-day forecast as concern grows for the wellbeing of those living in the Tent City at Victoria Park.
“The 7-day forecast includes a strong probability of thunderstorms and extreme heat,” the media release says. “A very large branch recently fell close to tents in Victoria Park. With the number of large trees in Victoria Park, it, along with any City park, can be unsafe during a thunderstorm. For your own safety, we urge those who have alternative places to go that are indoors to please move to alternative shelter.”
The City is asking people not to camp in the park. “If you are homeless, check with emergency shelters (Brock Mission, Cameron House and YES) daily as bed availability changes every day and talk to our outreach workers who are committed to assisting you in accessing alternative shelter.”
While emergency shelters and overflow shelter beds are currently needed, the City recognizes that:
Housing first is the goal rather than people living in shelters
Living in a tent is not a safe and stable option for you
Living in a tent does not provide you with the access to the services and supports that we want everyone in our community to be able to access
Public spaces are shared by the entire community.
