St. John's, Newfoundland

The Encampment Management Process

Section 5(1) of St. John's Parks By-Law No. 1488, prohibits camping in a park, unless permitted by the Director of Public Works & Parks.  A "park" includes any land owned, leased or controlled by the City, designated or used as a park, playground, sport field, trail or public open space.

St. John's takes a self described "empathetic approach" to individuals believed to be camping in Parks (including programmed or public areas such as formal parks, playgrounds, and sports facilities). When camped individuals are encountered,  the City offers referrals to outreach and support services. The City’s Community Services staff also follow up with these individual if they provide their contact information to offer further assistance. 

Individuals located in outlying open spaces and un-programmed areas have been allowed to remain. For those encampments in programmed areas, once City staff have offered the appropriate support referrals, they informally notify camped individuals that they cannot remain at the site and let them know that if they (or their items) remain any longer they will be removed. There are no records on the number of informal notices staff have given in this capacity.  Staff return after 1-2 days to retrieve any items that remain, though the City notes by this time those who were camping have usually moved on. Formal notices are placed in locations where camped residents have not moved on.

Where staff find camping related items but are unable to locate the owner, staff leave a notice at the site with support referrals and notification that the items will be removed if not claimed.