City of Markham works to address complex issue of homeless encampments

Fire department responded to grass fire incident at Valley View Park site

Yorkregion.com
July 4, 2023
Yoyo Yan

Markham is aware of the encampments scattered across the city and working on solutions to the complex issue.

“The City of Markham is aware of encampments, some of which are located on private property, including sites owned by other levels of government,” said a city spokesperson, when responding to an inquiry after Yorkregion.com visited a site hidden in the German Mills Creek area in Thornhill near Highway 7 and Bayview Avenue.

“The land you referred to is owned by Infrastructure Ontario,” said the spokesperson. “As such, the City of Markham has been in touch with them to relay concerns of both the residents and the city and we actively follow up regarding status and resolution.”

On May 29, Markham Fire & Emergency Services responded to a call at a wooded area in Valley View Park, south of Highway 407 between Bayview and Leslie Street, for a suspected grass fire.

The fire was extinguished and it was found that a small camping-style fuel container ignited in what appeared to be an encampment, according to the spokesperson.

“The emergence of encampments in the city is an indication of challenges that many individuals and families face,” said the spokesperson. “We are working on solutions that will ensure the safety of all those impacted, including the residents in the surrounding areas and those living in these spaces.”

Markham has struck a working committee consisting of senior staff and has requested the participation of other key stakeholders, including the Region of York.

The city relies on the Region of York to lead homelessness outreach and engagement, as well as to support and connect underhoused individuals with appropriate social services, said the spokesperson.

“We are committed to working with York Region to find sustainable solutions. We thank our community for their understanding and co-operation as we undertake to address these complex issues with compassion and sensitivity along with partner agencies and other levels of government,” said the spokesperson.

“It's very hurtful to see our taxpayer money being wasted in wars far away from our home and not helping Canadians who are in need of housing,” said Brenda Wong, a resident who has once seen more than 20 people living on the German Mills Creek site.