Woodstock woman wants camp removed

Pictured is one of the structures built on city property near Beth Merryweather’s home in Woodstock. Several more tents have appeared recently and the city resident said it’s time for the city to step in (Lee Griffi photo).

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Beth Merryweather and her husband live on what could be called a hidden gem of land in Woodstock. Right off Main Street, but beside a tiny and beautiful hidden park. They found their forever home and enjoyed the seclusion of the deep lot with beautiful trees and flowers. They pay taxes. Then, they had company.

For over two years, a homeless encampment with a couple and their dog has been living on the city land adjacent to her home, and Merryweather said things have gotten progressively worse. She said it’s long past time for the city to act. More residents have moved into the encampment, something Merryweather attributes to the decommissioning of the homeless camp at the intersection of Ingersoll Road and Dundas Street.

“Once the city moved in to take that one down, more people were coming here. They are building something over there. I hear them hammering every day. I don’t know how many people are down there now, but there are now five tents that I can see.”

Merryweather explained a man named Paul, his girlfriend and a dog were the only residents until the encampment down the road was cleared out.  

“I explained to you what happened on the weekend. I called the fire department Friday night when I saw flames going up high. It smells toxic. My neighbour called the police on Saturday after one of them had a dirt bike in the woods and was racing around the neighbourhood at 6 a.m. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t have insurance.”

She added loud banging and hammering at the site is continuous, as is the sound of generators running 24 hours a day, even when recent daytime temperatures reach the 20-degree mark. Despite her disdain for her current neighbours, Merryweather is sympathetic to those who are homeless.

“I have no issue with people down on their luck who want to pitch a tent for the night and then move on. But my quality of life has been ruined by this encampment. It’s time for them to go. I pay taxes. They don’t.”

The Echo has talked to Merryweather several times over the last year and there is no doubt her stress and frustration level has greatly risen over that time. Her emotions boiled over during our last conversation.

“My husband said to me this was our paradise. Not anymore. It makes me sick. The city told me they didn’t even know about the encampment until two months ago. Don’t give me that BS.”

She added she was told by the city three weeks ago action would be taken within a few weeks.

“Nothing has been done. That is the most frustrating part. They are breaking the law every day and getting away with it!”

Stephen Miller is the city’s Manager of Bylaw Enforcement and said there is no hard and fast rule when it comes to deciding to remove an encampment. He did say the city does prioritize the presence of built structures in their response.

“They undermine current building practices. There are also safety issues when a building is not inspected. We don’t want them erected on public property.”

He added the city is making progress on the issue, but it takes time.

“We are dealing with people who have no place to go. We try and get out early to touch base with the occupants. We advise that we are going to need them to move along, then we sit back and let social services work through their process. Eventually we end up going in and hopefully they can find somewhere else to go.”

Miller added he is not able to comment on specific encampments, like the one in Merryweather’s backyard, due to privacy laws.

“If it’s related to an ongoing investigation I can’t provide case-specific information and can only speak in broad strokes. I can’t provide anything case specific.”

Based on current legislation and case law, the city’s approach is to allow people who are not able to go into an emergency shelter or other appropriate housing options to set up a temporary shelter overnight while resources try and connect them with support services. During the day, they are encouraged to move along to avoid some of the issues these more permanent encampments often result in.  

The Echo asked Miller what the process is if someone residing in an encampment refuses to leave.

“That would involve some aspect of police involvement, if necessary, but that’s not to say the police would choose to act on that. That type of decision-making is very case-by-case and I can tell you we have not had to use force or involve the police in that capacity.”

Merryweather said she has her doubts about ‘Paul’ leaving peacefully, if the time comes and added he is building even more of a structure using skids.

“They are going to have to coordinate with the police. They will not get him out of here. I guarantee you.”

Miller explained the city’s approach is to be persuasive and apply consistent pressure.

“And hopefully the individuals avail themselves of social services assistance and leverage themselves out of their situations more quickly.”