Kingston’s Belle Park Eviction: The City of Kingston issued eviction notices to individuals living on the pickleball and tennis courts at Belle Park on Thursday afternoon, demanding that the encampment be cleared by 8 p.m. the same day. The action sparked opposition from homeless advocates, who argued the eviction may violate a prior court ruling.
City Orders Encampment to Vacate
City bylaw officers arrived at Belle Park around 2 p.m. Thursday and handed out formal eviction notices to people camping on the courts. By Friday morning, several individuals had already begun clearing their belongings, with the support of volunteers.
The city’s legal team was in discussions Friday with John Done, a lawyer from the Kingston Community Legal Clinic, who is representing the encampment residents and attempting to have the eviction order withdrawn.
Residents Relocate Deeper Into Belle Park
About 15 people had been living on the pickleball and tennis courts, which offered a dry, level surface and were enclosed by a chain-link fence, making them a relatively safe and stable place for tent setups.
Homeless advocate Ivan Stoikovic said that many residents began moving their tents further into Belle Park after receiving the notices. “The courts provided a more secure place to set up camp,” he explained.
Just one day before the city issued its orders, the Katarokwi Union of Tenants had brought a portable, garage-style tent to the site to support the residents living there.
Legal and Advocacy Efforts Underway
Lawyer John Done is leading the legal discussions with the city, attempting to challenge the eviction on the grounds of a court decision that may protect encampment residents from such removals.
Advocates argue that the eviction contradicts the basic rights of the individuals affected, particularly during a time when adequate housing remains unavailable.
Significance and Next Steps
This eviction adds to the growing debate in Canadian cities about how to handle homelessness and encampments in public spaces. While the city cites bylaw enforcement as the reason for the move, advocates and legal representatives claim that such actions may violate the rights of unhoused individuals under recent court decisions.
The situation is ongoing, with legal negotiations in progress. The outcome could shape future approaches to similar encampments in Kingston and beyond.
News in Brief: Kingston’s Belle Park Eviction
The City of Kingston issued eviction notices to residents living on Belle Park’s pickleball courts Thursday, prompting legal and advocacy pushback. About 15 residents have moved deeper into the park. Legal talks are underway to reverse the eviction, which some argue may violate a court ruling.
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