Kingston keeps clearing debris from encampment
Fire department directed removal after safety issues at site identified
City works crews continue to remove tents and debris from Belle Park and the encampment next to the Integrated Care Hub.
Workers tore down a wooden shack behind the ICH that was deemed an “immediate threat to life” by Kingston Fire and Rescue.
The fire department directed the work, which included removing items prohibited under sections of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, such as homemade wood stoves and modified propane tanks inside tents and other structures where people are living.
On Monday, the city removed a tent from Belle Park, but in a news release the city stated that the removal of the tent was not related to enforcement of the Parks Bylaw's prohibition on daytime camping in parks.
It was a point the city repeated in a statement Wednesday.
“This is a safety issue and the well-being of those who use this tent remains our biggest concern,” deputy fire chief Kevin Donaldson said in a statement. “Fire officials have previously removed a number of devices that posed danger when used inside this flammable tent, including wood stoves and propane tanks.”
About half a dozen large military-style tents that were recently set up violated the daytime camping ban, according to the city.
“We're concerned about all tents, including the heavy army-style ones that are appearing there and the contents inside those tents, which are very flammable,” Kingston Fire and Rescue fire inspector Rick Vasko said. “We're really trying to get a message out about the safety of people living in this area.
“To date, we have issued 24 immediate threat to life notices because we're very concerned about the safety of people due to multiple fire hazards.”
In November, Superior Court Justice Ian Carter determined the Parks Bylaw, banning overnight camping, was unconstitutional, while banning daytime camping was enforceable.
Earlier this month, the fire department and public works removed debris from a wooded area behind the ICH following a series of fires.
Under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, fire officials have the authority to enter properties and remove anything that may “constitute a fire menace or take any action urgently required to remove or reduce the threat to life,” according to the city.