08/26/2026
Subject: Serious Concerns Regarding Tent Encampment and Impact on Adjacent Property
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing as a concerned property owner and citizen regarding the ongoing tent encampment located in the park directly behind my property on Machar Avenue.
I have been dealing with a number of serious issues as a result of the encampment, and the situation has continued to worsen.
Individuals staying in the encampment have been hanging laundry, blankets, rugs, and other belongings over my fence. The area around the encampment has also become heavily littered and unsightly, with garbage and various items accumulating throughout the park. I have also had property taken from my yard.
On one occasion, my neighbour witnessed an individual entering my private property and cutting down a tree from my yard. My neighbour videotaped the individual cutting down the tree, providing direct video evidence of what occurred. The individual then took the wood for use as firewood. This incident was reported to police, but to my knowledge, no further action resulted from the report. The video evidence remains available and can be provided if required.
More recently, I arrived at my property and discovered that an extension cord that had previously been taken from my property was being used by individuals staying in the encampment. The cord had been plugged into an electrical receptacle at my residence and run to one of the tents, resulting in unauthorized use of my electricity.
I contacted the police, and officers attended the property. While the officers were dealing with the situation, I observed the male individual who appeared to be associated with the tent enter it when he saw the police arrive. Two women subsequently came out of the tent and told the officers that they were only looking after the tent for someone else. They were unable or unwilling to provide the officers with the individual's name.
I informed the officers that I had personally observed the male individual enter the tent. I was then advised that there were significant legal limitations regarding entering an occupied tent or encampment and that the officers could not simply enter the tent because it was considered a dwelling. The officers ultimately removed and disconnected the extension cord, but the individual responsible was not identified or held accountable.
I understand that people experiencing homelessness have legal rights, and I am not suggesting that those rights should be ignored. However, I also believe that property owners have rights and should be able to feel safe and secure on their own property.
My concern is where the balance is between protecting vulnerable individuals and protecting the rights, property, and safety of neighbouring residents. How much damage, theft, trespassing, unauthorized use of property, littering, and disruption are neighbouring property owners expected to tolerate before meaningful action can be taken?
I have paid property taxes and maintained my property with the reasonable expectation that the surrounding public spaces would be properly managed and maintained. Having a park behind my property was originally an asset and one of the positive features of the location. Unfortunately, the current condition of the park and the ongoing activity associated with the encampment have turned that benefit into a significant concern.
There is also a constant amount of traffic to and from the encampment that raises additional concerns about what activities may be occurring there. I cannot confirm what is taking place, but the frequency of activity has made me concerned about possible illegal activity and the general safety of the area.
I am asking the appropriate authorities to investigate this situation and provide a clear explanation of what measures are available to address:
Trespassing and unauthorized use of private property;
Theft or removal of property belonging to neighbouring residents;
Unauthorized use of electricity and other utilities;
Damage to private property and trees;
Garbage and environmental concerns within the park;
Public safety concerns surrounding the encampment; and
Any other unlawful activity that may be occurring in or around the encampment.
I am not asking for anyone's rights to be disregarded. I am asking that the rights of neighbouring property owners and residents also be recognized and protected.
This situation has become extremely frustrating and concerning, and I would appreciate a meaningful response outlining what can legally be done and what steps the City and other appropriate authorities intend to take to address these ongoing problems.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my concerns. I look forward to receiving a response.
Sincerely,
Gilles Mondoux
