Mississauga

The Encampment Eviction Process

The City of Mississauga carries out encampment evictions under both its Parks Bylaw, and the Trespass to Property Act. 

City staff (security and street outreach) get dispatched in pairs when an encampment is discovered, either by a parks employee, or through a citizen complaint.  Staff will be dispatched regardless of whether the encampment is on public or private land. Once staff are dispatched, a Trespass notice is issued.

If the individual is trespassing on private land, or engaging in what the City defines as "prohibited activities" (that is, drinking alcohol or consuming drugs), the City will consider enforcement options.

If no prohibited activities are taking place and the encampment is on public land, or if the individual identifies themselves as someone in need of social assistance, staff will seek their contact information including name, phone number, and email address. This information is provided to outreach staff, but is not required to receive assistance. If the encampment resident accepts assistance, the City will call a Blue and White Taxi or make other arrangements for individuals to be brought to a shelter. There is no data on how many people accept assistance versus those who refuse it.

The City of Mississauga shelter system  has a "no turn away policy" and has a medical shelter for those with addiction issues. Notably, however, shelters will not accept pets. Individuals with pets who stay at the shelter system will need to provide their animals to Mississauga Animal Services, who will look after the animals for up to 30 days.

If individuals refuse assistance, they are given a timeframe to leave the location, and if not vacated by that time, a ticket is issued, and the encampment is removed. Instances where tickets have been issued are mapped below.

If there is a cold weather alert in effect (defined as -15 °C or colder or a wind chill of -20 or colder) then emergency services must be contacted for encampment residents, and the City is prohibited from evicting encampment residents due to risk to life.