Dismantling of Dangerous Homeless Encampment Near Rail Line in Woodstock

An environmental cleanup company has started the process of dismantling a homeless encampment near a rail line in Woodstock. This follows the city's notice declaring the area unsafe, prompting individuals living there to vacate.

The end of Clarke Street South had become home to a temporary settlement, creating significant safety concerns due to its proximity to railroad tracks and accumulating debris. CN Rail police initially notified the city, emphasizing the potential hazard posed to both the environment and the people residing there.

Earlier this year, several fires occurred in the encampment area, making the site even more dangerous. Grant Drygas, Woodstock’s forestry and parks supervisor, explained that outreach partners communicated these risks to those living there, leading to the eventual evacuation.

Reports indicate that three people had been living in the encampment since its establishment a year ago, although the number fluctuated. With a notice posted for vacating, the residents appear to have moved on, leaving behind a considerable amount of debris.

The cleanup involves placing large garbage bins at the railroad tracks entrance and gradually removing the waste. The task is expected to take up to two weeks, taking into account weather conditions and the unique challenges posed by the rail corridor.

This site is just one of approximately 20 to 25 homeless encampments throughout the city of Woodstock, reflecting an ongoing issue. The region has been actively working on solutions, including doubling the capacity at a local shelter and funding new transitional housing projects.

Nearby London faces even more significant challenges, with an estimated 103 encampments and up to 2,100 unhoused individuals. Various measures are being considered and implemented to address the escalating situation in both Woodstock and London, highlighting a broader regional concern about homelessness.