'Back to sleepless nights': Encampment resident fears for future as Hamilton resumes enforcement
CBC
Sitting inside a tent wrapped with sleeping bags for insulation against the cold, Gord Smyth can't help but feel he's right back where he started.
The 54-year-old was one of five people who had lived in encampments and were named in an application to Superior Court seeking an injunction to stop the City of Hamilton from tearing them down.
On Tuesday Justice Andrew Goodman released his decision, ruling the city can enforce its bylaw against tents in public spaces.
That same afternoon, the city issued a media release saying it will resume enforcement.
The impact of the court decision was immediate, and "devastating," Smyth said.
"I'm back to sleepless nights," he explained.
"I sit here shaking. Every time I see a shadow come by the tarps it's, 'Ok, they're here. Time to go.'"
The court ruling states that four out of the five applicants are no longer in encampments.
Just Smyth remains in a tent, unsure of how long he can stay.
He's back where he started, alongside dozens of others still living in parks across the city, but there is one difference now — winter is coming.
The tent in Central Park where he and his girlfriend have camped for months is surrounded by tarps propped up with tent poles.
They're using a generator to recharge the power scooter he uses to get around and rely on their two dogs, a small furnace and BBQ to keep warm.
"It's freezing. You have to wear two, three pairs of clothes," said Smyth, noting it's only November and snow has yet to fall.
The application for the injunction was brought on behalf of encampment residents by lawyers with the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic.
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