London's city council has voted to ban homeless encampments in 15 parks, 14 of which are located in the Downtown core, Old East Village, and SOHO.

For people living rough, setting up shelters in these parks gives them access to agencies and social services in London's core that are needed for survival. A ban on encampments in these parks will push Londoners experiencing homelessness further away from needed social services and into areas that are less populated, less lit, and less safe.

There are many additional supports that need to be put in place for London's growing population of unhoused people including more shelter spaces and more social services to fill existing gaps. Displacing folks with encampment bans in parks is NOT the solution.

With the winter months fast approaching, the time to act is now. We call upon the city council to reverse the ban on homeless encampments in all 15 parks:

Boyle Park, Campbell’s Park, CNRA Park, Gibbons Park, Harris Park, Ivey Park/Peace Park, Lorne Ave Park, McMahen Park, Piccadilly Park, Richard B. Harrison Park, Queens Park, Springbank Park, Thames Park, Wellington Valley Park, Victoria Park

Londoners, we have the power to change this harmful ban on homeless encampments in these parks. Use your voice. Lets get it removed.