Abandoned Ingersoll encampment undergoes cleanup

An Ingersoll encampment is in the process of being cleaned up by a company hired by the UTRCA. (Lee Griffi Photo)

Lee Griffi, Editor

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority is clearing an Ingersoll eyesore.

The organization hired a professional crew to clean the site located near the Thames River between Carnegie and Wilson Streets. The encampment had been present for an extended period and raised concerns among some residents.

The site was also the location of two fires on March 2, which were ignited within structures at the encampment. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

In a statement, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) said staff worked alongside trained partner agencies to take a humanitarian-focused approach. The organization noted that both the presence and duration of encampments reflect broader social challenges, including the ongoing housing crisis.

Brent Verscheure is the UTRCA’s Manager of Lands, Facilities and Conservation Areas.

“We can confirm that a clean-up of an encampment on conservation authority lands in Ingersoll is currently underway. The work is being carried out by qualified third-party contractors, with support from UTRCA staff and partner organizations. For safety and liability reasons, members of the public (including media) are required to maintain a safe distance from active work zones and require specialized training and authorization from CN Operations and police due to the proximity to the active rail line.”

A member of the Echo team was asked to leave the area after taking photos, despite being several hundred feet from the site.

A similarly sized encampment in Woodstock cost the city $100,000 to clean up in 2025. Verscheure said it is too early to put a price tag on this one.

“All personnel involved are trained and equipped to manage the potential risks, including the handling and disposal of materials that may pose health or environmental concerns, and the health and safety of workers and the public is our top priority. At this time, costs associated with the clean-up are still being finalized. UTRCA staff are working to ensure that such activities are coordinated with partner agencies and are conducted cost-effectively while meeting all regulatory and safety requirements.”

One question consistently posed to stewards of land, such as municipalities and conservation authorities, is why these encampments are permitted to be set up in the first place. Verscheure said they present complex challenges.

“The UTRCA does not permit unauthorized occupation of its properties. However, like many public land managers across Ontario, enforcement must be balanced with coordination among municipal partners, social service agencies and, where necessary, law enforcement. The presence and duration of encampments can be influenced by broader social issues, including housing availability and support services.”

Despite the risks encampments pose to the environment, particularly being so close to the Thames River in this case, Verscheure assured the public the UTRCA keeps a close eye on the dangers involved.

“This process includes ongoing monitoring and assessment of site conditions, engagement with appropriate agencies and municipal partners, the provision of notice where required, and the implementation of safe and compliant site remediation measures. UTRCA staff will continue to respond to any future encampments in accordance with our policies, applicable legislation, and in coordination with our community partners. The UTRCA remains committed to protecting public lands, ensuring environmental stewardship, and prioritizing public safety.”

The conservation authority did receive several complaints from the public about the encampment, but Verscheure said they have no choice but to follow the process.

“This encampment has been present for an extended period of time, during which staff worked with partner agencies to determine an appropriate course of action, with a focus on a humanitarian-first approach. Again, as mentioned above, the presence and duration of encampments are largely influenced by broader social issues, including local transitional housing availability and support services.”

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority oversees watershed health across parts of southwestern Ontario, including rivers, flood control, and environmental protection.

Cleaning up illegal dumping or degraded sites fits directly into that mandate, especially when they affect water quality, wildlife habitat and flood-prone or sensitive land.

With notes from Kyrah Smith