Toronto residents say the homeless encampment is causing fear in their neighborhood — city officials agree no one should be living in the park, but evicting people isn't the answer either.

The letter detailed complaints of physical assault, theft of merchandise and alcohol from local businesses, harassment of anyone attempting to walk their dog in the park, heating of tents with propane tanks, and human feces and urine in the park.

MUNICIPAL OFFICERS ARE RESPONSIBLE

Now Toronto has contacted the mayor's office on complaints and said they are aware of the situation.

“Mayor Chow believes that no one should stand outside in the cold. He understands the neighbors' concerns about the current situation in Clarence Square. “Mayor Chow supports the efforts of Deputy Mayor Malik, Toronto Housing and Housing officials and Toronto Fire Services to help connect people to indoor spaces, shelters and keep the area safe,” said Arian Robinson, spokeswoman for the mayor's office. statement on Wednesday.

He says Chow is moving a budget that prioritizes “affordable housing” and will give more money to the city's housing system so more people can safely move indoors.

Spadina-Fort York councilor and deputy mayor Ausma Malik also told Toronto she understands. and shares the concerns of neighbors in Clarence Square.

“Public and green spaces in downtown communities are precious and must be safe for everyone in our neighborhoods to enjoy,” he said in an emailed statement Tuesday.

“In a city like ours, no one should have to live outside in the cold. My goal is to make sure our homeless neighbors have access to a safe space and supportive services on their journey to long-term housing,” she continued.

Malik also notes that removing people from Clarence Square and other parks without proper indoor shelters and shelters is not the solution.

“Often, this approach has led to the creation of new camps in other parks. We need a multi-pronged approach to create a sustainable solution, and I focus on solutions.”

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MPP Spadina – Fort York Chris Glover agrees.

“Homelessness is on the rise in Ontario. There are hundreds of camps like Clarence Square in cities across the province. We have a homelessness crisis fueled by unaffordable housing and an unresolved opioid crisis. No one should live in the park,” Glover said in an emailed statement Wednesday.